Vietnam's Modern Day Boat People - by Shira Sebban (Paperback)

About the Book

"In 2016, a newspaper published an article about four children, due to be sent to an orphanage after their parents were punished for attempting to flee Vietnam. Among 46 asylum seekers trying to reach Australia by boat, they were intercepted by the Australian navy and returned to Vietnam, where intense retribution awaited. This article sparked a unifying response in people across the globe. This work tells the story of volunteer advocates who banded together to help a group of Vietnamese refugees on their journey to freedom. Highlighting the courage of "ordinary" people, as well as including tales of human rights, communal living, reuniting families and their eventual resettlement in Canada, this book paints a vivid and realistic picture of Vietnamese families' struggle for liberty in the 21st century."--

Book Synopsis

In 2016, a newspaper published an article about four children due to be sent to an orphanage after their parents were punished for attempting to flee Vietnam. Among 46 asylum seekers trying to reach Australia by boat, they were intercepted by the Australian navy and returned to Vietnam, where intense retribution awaited. This newspaper article sparked a unifying response in people across the globe.

This work tells the story of volunteer advocates who banded together to help a group of Vietnamese refugees on their journey to freedom. Highlighting the courage of "ordinary" people--and with tales of human rights, communal living, reuniting families and their eventual resettlement in Canada--this book paints a vivid picture of Vietnamese families' struggle for liberty in the 21st century.

Review Quotes

"A vigilantly researched account...not a typical academic account of refugees that seeks to interpret people's trajectories through theoretical lenses, but is rather a neat and well-researched case study... In an extraordinary fashion, Sebban manages to draw the reader into the family's story... A very useful resource for students and activists alike."-Heidelberg Asian Studies Publishing

"I believe that is an inspirational story of resilience, determination, and hope, a story which highlights the extraordinary courage of 'ordinary' people in their battle for liberty, showing what can be achieved when borders prove no boundary."-The Australian

About the Author

Shira Sebban, a migration agent for refugees, is a writer in Sydney, Australia. In June 2022, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Jewish community. A member of community group SASS (Supporting Asylum Seekers Sydney), she also serves as a guide at the Sydney Jewish Museum.