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What is the What summary
Brief summary
What is the What by Dave Eggers is a powerful novel that tells the story of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. It offers a harrowing account of his journey and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
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What is the What
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The Journey of the Lost Boys
In What is the What by Dave Eggers, we follow the life of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese boy who is forced to flee his village when it is attacked by the militia. The book begins with Valentino, along with thousands of other boys, embarking on a perilous journey across the desert to escape the violence. This journey, which lasts several years, is a harrowing tale of survival, as the boys face extreme hunger, thirst, and danger from both wildlife and enemy soldiers.
As they travel, Valentino forms close bonds with other boys, each of whom has their own story of loss and survival. Despite the unimaginable hardships they face, these boys display remarkable resilience and determination. Their journey takes them through Ethiopia and eventually to a refugee camp in Kenya, where they live in squalid conditions with little hope for the future.
Life in America
The narrative then shifts to Valentino's life in Atlanta, Georgia, where he is sent as a refugee. The stark contrast between his life in Africa and his new life in America is striking. Valentino struggles to adapt to the fast-paced, materialistic culture of the West, and he faces prejudice and misunderstanding from those around him.
Despite these challenges, Valentino is determined to make a life for himself in America. He attends high school, works multiple jobs, and eventually enrolls in college. However, his experiences in America are not without their own share of trauma. Valentino is robbed, assaulted, and constantly haunted by the memories of the violence he witnessed in Sudan.
Striving for a Better Future
Throughout his journey, Valentino remains determined to improve the lives of his people back in Sudan. He starts a foundation to raise awareness and funds for education in Southern Sudan and tirelessly advocates for the rights of the Sudanese people. Despite the distance, he remains deeply connected to his homeland and its people.
As the narrative progresses, we see Valentino grappling with his identity as a 'Lost Boy' and the survivor's guilt that comes with it. He questions the purpose of his survival and the meaning of his experiences. These internal struggles are juxtaposed against his external efforts to improve the lives of others, creating a complex portrait of a man shaped by unimaginable trauma and resilience.
Reflections on Loss and Hope
In the final part of What is the What, Valentino reflects on his journey and the profound loss he has experienced. He mourns the friends who did not survive the journey, the family members he lost in the war, and the childhood he was robbed of. Despite these losses, Valentino remains hopeful for the future of Sudan and its people.
The book ends with Valentino returning to his village in Sudan, a bittersweet homecoming that marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. What is the What is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, and a poignant exploration of loss, survival, and hope.
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What is What is the What about?
What is the What by Dave Eggers is a heartbreaking and inspiring novel that tells the story of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese “Lost Boy” who survives incredible hardships as a refugee. Through Deng's journey, the book sheds light on the devastating impact of war and displacement, while also highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
What is the What Review
What is the What (2006) chronicles the true story of Valentino Achak Deng and his journey as a "Lost Boy" in war-torn Sudan. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Through heart-wrenching accounts of survival and resilience, it sheds light on the harsh realities of conflict and displacement.
- The book offers a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, resonating with themes of hope and endurance amidst adversity.
- With its compelling narrative and emotional depth, it captures the human spirit's capacity for strength and compassion, ensuring an engaging and impactful read.
Who should read What is the What?
Readers who are interested in personal stories of resilience and survival
Those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the refugee experience
People who enjoy non-fiction narratives that blend memoir and social commentary
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Book summaries like What is the What
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What is the What FAQs
What is the main message of What is the What?
Survival, resilience, and hope shine amidst adversity in What is the What.
How long does it take to read What is the What?
Reading time varies, but generally, it takes hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is What is the What a good book? Is it worth reading?
What is the What is a powerful narrative highlighting human strength and perseverance. A must-read.
Who is the author of What is the What?
The author of What is the What is Dave Eggers.
What to read after What is the What?
If you're wondering what to read next after What is the What, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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