The Happiest Refugee

“My mother’s family were stunned, and of course delighted to have their sons home again. Their son-in-law may have been skinny with wonky teeth, but his bravery, in the face of extreme danger, was breathtaking.”

Anh’s father is always shown as unfailingly brave and clever, which makes his fall from grace later in the book all the more shocking. Here he has recently pulled off a daring escape for two of his wife’s brothers, and is welcomed into his new family. 

“Everyone watched as Dad pulled the starter cord. The engine roared to life and we all cheered. This time Dad didn’t tell any of us to be quiet… he cheered loudest of all.”

The darkest hour for the boat of refugees comes after they have everything taken by pirates, even their engine. Fortunately, the broken-down engine from earlier proves their salvation thanks to Tam’s ingenuity. This is another scene where Tam is seen at his best, and is the savior of his entire extended family. 

“The most dangerous animal is the one cornered and fearful. My uncles, ex-army paratroopers, suddenly felt a surge of adrenaline and stood up in unison. They were tired and hungry and weak, but they had one last fight left in them. Then the teenage boys started calling out to each other, psyching each other up, their fear now turned into desperate rage. Everyone was ready to fight till the end. If the child was thrown into the ocean, there would be no survivors.”

The desperation of Anh’s family as they confront another pair of pirates is one of the book’s most powerful scenes, as they fend off the attack despite having no weapons to defend themselves with besides sheer numbers.