Description:
The aftermath of the Second World War marked a radical new moment in the history of migration. For the millions of refugees stranded in Europe, China and Africa, it offered the possibility of mobility to the 'new world' of the West; for countries like Australia that accepted them, it marked the beginning of a radical reimagining of its identity as an immigrant nation. For the next few decades, Australia was transformed by waves of migrants and refugees. However, two of the five million who came between 1947 and 1985 later left. When Migrants Fail to Stay examines why this happened.
This innovative collection of essays explores a distinctive form of departure, and its importance in shaping and defining the reordering of societies after World War II. Esteemed historians Ruth Balint, Joy Damousi, and Sheila Fitzpatrick lead a cast of emerging and established scholars to probe this overlooked phenomenon. In doing so, this book enhances our understanding of the migration and its history.Brief description: Lucy Noakes is Rab Butler Chair of Modern History at the University of Essex, UK.
Review Quotes: "In probing the forgotten histories of thousands of people who migrated to postwar Australia but failed to settle, this important volume explores the complexities of identity and belonging for individuals, families and diasporic communities...and their quest to find a place to call home in an increasingly mobile world." --Kate Darian-Smith, Executive Dean, College of Arts, Law and Education, University of Tasmania, Australia