In 'What is the What', Dave Eggers tells the harrowing and inspiring story of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese Lost Boy. Fleeing civil war and unimaginable hardship, Valentino's journey exposes the reader to the stark realities of refugee life and the resilience of the human spirit. With a blend of fact and fiction, Eggers captures the struggles of displacement and the search for identity in a cruel world. This powerful narrative not only sheds light on the plight of refugees but also challenges the perception of what it means to be 'home.' Prepare to be moved and enlightened by Valentino's extraordinary tale of survival and hope.
By Dave Eggers
Published: 2007
"I could have made different choices, but choices are not always mine to make. What is the what is the journey of finding oneself in the midst of chaos and uncertainty."
A biographical novel traces the story of Valentino Achak Deng, who as a boy was separated from his family when his village in southern Sudan was attacked, and became one of the estimated 17,000 "lost boys of Sudan" before relocating from a Kenyan refugee camp to Atlanta in 2001.
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“I could have made different choices, but choices are not always mine to make. What is the what is the journey of finding oneself in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.”
What is the what
By Dave Eggers
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Dave Eggers is an acclaimed American author, editor, and publisher, known for his innovative narrative style and social commentary. He gained widespread recognition with his debut memoir, "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius," which explores themes of loss and resilience. Eggers is also the founder of McSweeney's, a publishing house and literary magazine that promotes new voices in literature. His notable works include the novels "The Circle," a dystopian exploration of technology and privacy, and "Heroes of the Frontier," which examines family dynamics and the search for identity. Eggers' writing often blends humor with a deep sense of humanity, offering insightful critiques of contemporary society.
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