page 3 , PMH Bulletin

Book Review

Thursday, 27 June, 2016

A Journey from
Calamity to Comedy
Humour, heartache, realism and an exceptional
beginning, this memoir couldnt be better. I really
regret not reading it earlier. Highly recommended by
many, it has earned several awards such as the
ABIA Book of the Year and the winner of the
Australian Book Industry Awards, Book of the Year,
2011. I decided to find out for myself what the hype
was all about.
Anh Do is a comedian who journeyed to Australia at
the age of two on a cramped refugee boat from
Vietnam fleeing communist oppression. This memoir
tells the reach-for-your-hankey story of his family
and their experiences growing up as AsianAustralians.
The long journey from the subservient city of Saigon
to the quiet abode of Sydney was a treacherous and
difficult one. Nothing, not even nefarious pirates, or
the imminent threat of starvation or dehydration
could snuff out their longing for a better life in a land
free of oppression. They made it to Malaysia and
then finally to Australia. When they arrived here,
they didnt have much and Do was basically raised
by a single mum from the time he entered high
school.
I really love the way Do lays out out his life story for
us, in a very honest and self deprecating way. He
conveys all the themes that he encountered and
explored during his journey, such as love, family,
resilience, hope and overcoming adversity. It made me rethink my current position in life, and
allowed me to be grateful for it.
An easy read with a powerful message, the combination of tears and laughter make this book
gold. It exemplifies the multicultural nature of Australia and it really opened my eyes to the
stories of Australians like Do. It is simply, effectively written, never sentimental or, astonishingly,
self-pitying. A reality check for everyone.
Philo Farid
PMH Bulletin
AUD $32.99

PUBLISHER:

Allen & Unwin

AWARDS:

Winner, Indie Awards, Book of the Year, 2011

Winner, Indie Awards, Non-Fiction Book of the Year, 2011