random 1
This is the country Anh Do’s family fled from during the Vietnam War.
Vietnam
Explanation:
Anh Do’s family escaped from Vietnam due to the dangers and instability after the war.
The family survived the ocean only because of this unexpected intervention.
A German merchant ship
Explanation:
A German merchant ship rescued them.
True or False? The pirates steal their boats engine.
True
This political shift in Vietnam convinced Anh’s parents their children had no future.
The rise of the communist regime
Explanation:
Anh’s parents feared the new communist government would restrict their children’s opportunities.
The family’s escape boat was nearly doomed because this part was deliberately damaged.
The hull
Explanation:
Saboteurs smashed a hole in the hull to sink the boat.
Anh describes their overcrowded vessel as this grim metaphor.
"a floating coffin"
Explanation:
He calls it "a floating coffin" to show how unsafe and terrifying the journey was.
True or False?
Anh's dad was present his whole life.
False
True or False? Anh was threatened to be killed by the pirates.
False
What did Anh's Uncle do?
Baker
The second pirate encounter was more dangerous because the pirates returned intending to do this.
Take the women and kill the men
Explanation:
The pirates returned planning to take the women and kill the men.
This survival strategy helped Anh fit in at school despite feeling different.
Humour
Explanation:
Anh used humour to cope with bullying and cultural differences, eventually becoming a comedian.
True or False?
Anh's mum was present his whole life
True
How many pirates approached Anh and the others on the boat.
9
How many brothers did Anh's mum have?
2 brothers
Anh first felt 'Australian' during this symbolic school moment.
Being chosen for the school play
Explanation:
Being chosen for the school play made him feel included.
Anh’s mother worked late into the night sewing, leaving her feeling like this simile describes.
"like a balloon with all the air let out"
Explanation:
The simile "like a balloon with all the air let out" shows her complete physical and emotional exhaustion.
True or False?
Anh is an author, comedian, builder, dad, teacher and artist.
False.
Anh is not a teacher or a buuilder.
The title 'The Happiest Refugee' is ironic because of this contradiction.
Joy despite trauma
Explanation:
He finds joy despite trauma and displacement.
How long was the fishing boat Anh travelled on.
9 1/2m.
Anh’s comedy career began because of this unexpected chain of events.
A school talent show
Explanation:
He entered a school talent show as a joke and won.
This mindset drove Anh to take every opportunity seriously as he grew older.
"never wanted to waste a single opportunity"
Explanation:
Anh’s determination came from his parents’ sacrifices, leading him to "never want to waste a single opportunity."
What age was Anh when his dad left the family?
When Anh was 13.
How did Anh meet his wife?
Anh Do met his wife Suzanne (Suzie) while studying at the University of Technology Sydney, and their relationship blossomed from friendship into love after overcoming initial rejection.
What day of their journey did they run out of food and water? e.g day 1, day 2 etc
Day 4
What is Anh's dads child's (from other wife) nickname?