But there was a loving extended family, and always friends and play and something to laugh about for Anh, his brother Khoa and their sister Tram.

But nothing – not murderous pirates, nor the imminent threat of death by hunger, disease or dehydration as they drifted for days – could quench their desire to make a better life in a country where freedom existed.Life in Australia was hard, an endless succession of back-breaking work, crowded rooms, ruthless landlords and make-do everything. His entire family came close to losing their lives on the sea as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. He contends that it is all to much to deal with and that his Dad named Anh's step brother after him-Anh.ġ) Why is it significant for Anh that he is going to visit his fatherĢ) Why do you think the narrative begins like this?ģ) Do you think that Anh love’s his father?ĥ) ‘Skinny little face, slightly wonky teeth and those dark eyes that can make you know you’re loved and make you shit yourself at the same time.Anh Do nearly didn't make it to Australia. seething with anger and hatred and violence.'Īnh learns that his Dad has a tumour in his head. Anh isn't sure if he is enjoying the experience. They drink beer at 9:30pm around a plastic table and Anh's Dad slaps him hard across the face with affection. dark eyes that could make you know you're loved and make you shit yourself at the same time.' Anh's Dad greets him with familiar affection and enthusiasm and a 'wave of familiarity and comfort hits like a punch in the face. His Dad is almost exactly as he remembers him with the 'skinny little face, slightly wonky teeth and. A young women answers the door and Anh hears a baby cry. I feared him even.') and Anh is torn between fantasies of a happy reunion and 'head-butting the little Vietnamese prick.' He also comments that he 'miss him dearly.' We are told that his Dad was once 'funny and charming' and that Anh 'could do anything' but Anh is angry that his Dad abandoned his Mum 'to look after three kids on an illiterate Vietnamese migrants wage.'Īnh arrives at his Dad's dilapidated housing commission apartment. Anh's father, described as an abusive drunk walked out late one night when Anh was 13 ('I hated him when he was drunk. I am sobbing uncontrollably') We learn he is going to see his Dad, whom he hasn't seen for 9 years.

('A steering wheel wet from tears is a slippery object. He describes his driving as significantly impaired by his nerves and 9 years of grief. Anh is driving down the Hume Highway towards Melbourne.

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