A Memoir by Anh Do
ISBN: 978-1-74237-238-9
First published 2010
232 pages
Cover design: Phil Campbell
4/5 Stars
A warm and insightful autobiography by Anh Doh. Throughout the whole book Anh’s exuberance wins out. Whether it is recounting his violent father, or his impoverished upbringing, or his encounters (few and far between) with racists and bullies. Anh’s “can do” attitude always wins out.
This is an autobiography of short vignettes, some poignant, some sad, some happy, some crazy. Escaping Vietnam at the age of 2, his boat crowded with 40 people and then boarded by pirates, twice, and finally left to die of thirst in the ocean…
Half-way through the book the inner cynic rises up and says, “can this be for real?”
And yes, Anh is for real. There is no angle, there is no agenda, every foible, every frailty is written about, and joked about.
The importance of family is paramount for Anh.
The key to his success?
- Bundles of energy,
- Not retreating when you are scared or fearful, and,
- An ever present sense of gratitude
Gratitude for his family, for his situation for Australia and the 2nd chance Australia offered his family. It does make you appreciate the other, positive supportive side of Australian refugee policy.
Enjoy, there are plenty of photos and it is an easy and delightful read. Now check out his comedy….
The Eclectic Book Review 