The Voyage of Their Life

In August 1948, over 500 passengers embarked on an overcrowded vessel bound for Australia and New Zealand, carrying individuals from diverse backgrounds and difficult histories of persecution and displacement. Diane Armstrong, who traveled on the Derna as a child, has dedicated herself to uncovering the stories of more than a hundred passengers through personal recollections, memorabilia, and archival materials. Her work offers a detailed and personal portrayal of the migrant ship and the hopes and dreams of those aboard.