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Table of Contents
About The Book
The Lucky Ones is a moving and meticulously researched book of refugee stories from award-winning journalist and former foreign correspondent Melinda Ham.
Though they are from different generations, countries and cultures, the families in this book all have one thing in common: they have escaped persecution in their homelands to find safety in Australia. Spanning 70 years, and tracking journeys from Iraq, Afghanistan, Poland, Tibet, Vietnam and Zaire, The Lucky Ones offers a window into the complex history of Australian refugee experiences.
More than 35 million refugees around the world are currently waiting to be resettled. In their own words, the people in this book are some of the 'lucky ones' who survived terror, detention, beatings and torture to reach a country that offered them a new beginning.
Though they are from different generations, countries and cultures, the families in this book all have one thing in common: they have escaped persecution in their homelands to find safety in Australia. Spanning 70 years, and tracking journeys from Iraq, Afghanistan, Poland, Tibet, Vietnam and Zaire, The Lucky Ones offers a window into the complex history of Australian refugee experiences.
More than 35 million refugees around the world are currently waiting to be resettled. In their own words, the people in this book are some of the 'lucky ones' who survived terror, detention, beatings and torture to reach a country that offered them a new beginning.
About The Author
Photograph by author
Melinda Ham has been a journalist for more than twenty-five years. She started her career in southern Africa as a correspondent for six years for the Associated Press and for London's Daily Telegraph, The Economist and other international publications. She's also lived and worked in India and Singapore.In Australia, she wrote for The Sydney Morning Herald and the Sun Herald for more than twelve years, including stints as a sub-editor on the foreign desk and as commissioning editor for Special Reports. She wrote on a diverse range of subjects, including education, environment, health, lifestyle, health and culture. She's been editor of Explore, the Australian Museum's twice-yearly magazine. She's also produced dozens of publications through her media company, Narrate Media, for charities, universities and companies.
Product Details
- Publisher: Affirm Press (January 30, 2024)
- Length: 272 pages
- ISBN13: 9781922848024
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Raves and Reviews
'Powerful, heart-breaking, harrowing and deeply moving.' Susan Duncan
'Books like this - that highlight and celebrate our shared humanity - are how we become a kinder, more compassionate country.' Violet Roumeliotis AM, CEO Settlement Service International
'Melinda's compassion for refugees shines through as she describes the traumatic and courageous journeys of these refugee families fleeing persecution and war to find safety and a new start in Australia. Spanning more than 70 years of refugee resettlement and policy, these stories are punctuated with touching acts of kindness by ordinary Australians - reminding us all that we have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of refugees.' Naomi Steer OA, CEO UNHCR in Australia
'Fundamentally human and courageous, and a compelling read that provides a glimpse into why you might flee for your life and what it means. At times the book is achingly heartbreaking, especially when describing the long periods of disconnection from loved ones, and yet an unwavering core of hope and determination is present in each person's extraordinary story. Inspiring.' Frances Rush OAM, CEO Asylum Seekers Centre, Sydney
'Set against the backdrop of Australia's ever-changing refugee policies and the turbulence of politics at home and abroad, the voices in these six stories capture the humour, resilience and tenacity of the people who have made Australia home.'
Alice Pung, author of Unpolished Gem and My Father's Daughter
'The refugees' stories are harrowing'. - Good Reading
'An inspiring and deeply moving book'. - The Newtown Review of Books
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): The Lucky Ones Trade Paperback 9781922848024
- Author Photo (jpg): Melinda Ham Photograph by author(0.1 MB)
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