At times it feels like we are unwilling participants in a never-ending disaster movie, buffeted by natural catastrophe, war, economic collapse, social implosion and private trauma. But behind the shocking headlines, official inquiries and memorial ceremonies there are many stories of renewal and hope, of survivors who pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives and their communities. The brilliant writing in this edition of Griffith REVIEW takes you on a remarkable journey. The authors capture extraordinary battles and random brushes with fate-and live to tell the tale. And though surviving is a personal quest, there is also an opportunity to learn how to be better prepared: to adapt, survive, even thrive after disaster subsides.