The Happiest Refugee

The theme of gratitude and paying things forward to the less fortunate runs through the novel. What are some ways Anh and his family share their good fortune, both before and after Anh is a successful celebrity?

Anh’s relationship with his mother and his father deeply affected him. What lessons did he learn from each of them, and how are they reflected in the choices he makes later in his life?

In what ways does Anh’s race afect his life in a majority-white society? What are some incidents that show this influence, and how do they affect his career trajectory and choices later in life?

The theme of memory and legacy are featured prominently in Anh’s story. What are three ways in which Anh’s family history in Vietnam affects their life in Australia?

What qualities, skills, and morals do you think served Anh best in his rise to success? Which incidents best illustrate these qualities?

Anh’s love for Suzie was passionate from the moment they met, and no matter how many other girls he dated, he never felt the same way about anyone else. What do you think are the qualities that bonded them together so closely from the start?

Anh’s story features a lot of characters that flow in and out of his life. In addition to his immediate family and Suzie, which characters do you believe influenced him the most and why?

Do you believe Anh’s perspective on life and his experience as a refugee in a western country are typical of most refugee populations? Why or why not?