Dave Eggers’ celebrated novel, What is the What, is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and resilience. The story follows Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee whose childhood was filled with violence and displacement before his eventual escape to the United States. Through Achak’s journey, Eggers paints a vivid portrait of the Sudanese conflict, its devastating effects on those caught in its grasp, and the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.
The narrative is a heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting story of courage and hope in the face of unimaginable hardship. Achak’s perspective offers insight into the many challenges faced by refugees as they search for safety and stability far from home. Eggers’ skillful writing brings Achak’s experiences to life and makes it all too easy to put oneself in his shoes. What is the What is an important reminder that our lives are often determined not only by our own choices but also by forces beyond our control.
The novel does an excellent job of depicting the struggles of refugees while also highlighting their immense strength and resilience. Despite all he has been through, Achak never loses sight of his humanity or his determination to build a better future for himself. This inspiring tale will leave readers with a greater appreciation for those who have endured so much but still found ways to succeed despite overwhelming odds.
Overall, Dave Eggers’ What is the What is an incredible exploration of loss, suffering, and recovery that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. It’s sure to be an enlightening experience for any reader looking to gain insight into what it means to be a refugee in today’s world.
What is the What by Dave Eggers Review
“What is the What” by Dave Eggers is an epic novel that follows the true story of Valentino Achak Deng, a survivor of Sudan’s civil war. This moving account of one man’s remarkable journey illuminates the power of courage, resilience, and hope.
Key features:
1. A gripping personal narrative about the life of Valentino Achak Deng and his experience during Sudan’s Civil War.
2. A powerful exploration of identity, home, faith, and family in a time of turmoil and displacement for millions of Sudanese refugees.
3. An enlightening look at how Deng found solace in literature and learning despite years of hardship.
4. A vivid reminder of the strength that comes from drawing on one’s inner resources and standing tall in the face of adversity.
What is the What is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the struggles of refugees around the world today. Through Deng’s story, readers will come to appreciate the strength and perseverance it takes to survive in times of conflict, as well as gain insight into how individuals find hope and meaning amidst immense suffering. Inspiring, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, this book brings to light both the tragedy and resilience of humankind in a way that is both thought-provoking and unforgettable.
Product Details
Product | Details |
---|---|
What is the What | Written by Dave Eggers |
Published in 2006 by McSweeney’s Books | |
Hardcover, 576 pages | |
Based on a true story about Valentino Achak Deng | |
“A stunning novel…It will break your heart.” – San Francisco Chronicle | |
“A sweeping epic that is both timely and timeless…Extraordinary.” – The Boston Globe | |
“A work of tremendous scope and ambition…mesmerizing.” – The New York Times Book Review |
What is the What by Dave Eggers Pros and Cons
1. Pros
The What is What, written by Dave Eggers, is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that is sure to leave its readers pondering the implications of its story long after they put the book down. The novel follows the life of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the Sudanese “Lost Boys” who were displaced from their homes during the Second Sudanese Civil War in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Through Deng’s struggles as he navigates his way through an unfamiliar world, readers come face-to-face with the harsh realities of immigration and displacement, while also learning about Deng’s strength and resilience. The story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding more about this tumultuous period in Sudan’s history.
2. Cons
One of the major drawbacks to Dave Eggers’ What is What is its lack of depth when it comes to certain aspects of Deng’s story. While the book provides an intimate look at his experiences as a refugee, it does not delve into other important topics such as the political climate in Sudan during this time or how different countries responded to the crisis. Additionally, some readers may find they become overwhelmed at times due to the sheer number of characters introduced throughout the novel and may have difficulty keeping track of them all.
Who are They for
What is the What by Dave Eggers is a powerful, heart-wrenching novel about one man’s journey to America from war-torn Sudan. Using his own voice, Valentino Achak Deng tells an incredible story of resilience and hope. This remarkable story follows Valentino as he embarks on an arduous journey from Africa, crossing through dangerous lands and encountering unexpected obstacles along the way. Once in America, he must face the challenges of learning a new language and culture while trying to make a home for himself in a strange land. Through it all, he remains determined to survive, rebuild his life, and tell his story.
Filled with unforgettable characters and emotional depth, What is the What is a riveting account of courage and redemption that has captivated readers worldwide. It’s an inspiring tale of perseverance in the face of great odds that will leave you moved and hopeful. Beautifully written, this poignant novel will stay with you long after the final page.
My Experience for What is the What by Dave Eggers
My name is _____ and I recently read What is the What by Dave Eggers. It was an incredible journey, both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
I was immediately struck by the raw emotion that Eggers conveys throughout the book. The main character, Valentino Achak Deng, narrates his story of conflict and tragedy in Sudan with a remarkable eloquence and poignancy. The struggles he faces as a refugee in America are also heartbreaking yet poignant, making this book one of the most powerful pieces of literature I have ever read.
As I read further into the novel, I found myself feeling a strong connection to Achak’s plight. The vivid descriptions of his life in Africa made me feel as if I was right there with him, experiencing every moment as it happened on the page. The use of language to create such vivid imagery was simply astounding.
The story of What is the What left me feeling both heartbroken and humbled by the strength and courage of Achak’s spirit. His determination to make something of his life despite all odds was truly inspiring. As a reader, it made me appreciate my own life and all that I have been privileged to experience, as well as urge me to help those who may not be so fortunate in their lives.
Overall, What is the What is an incredibly moving piece of literature that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. If you’re looking for a powerful tale of resilience and courage in the face of adversity, then this book is definitely worth reading!
What I don’t Like
Product Disadvantages:
1. The novel is complex and confusing at times, making it difficult to follow the storyline.
2. Some readers may find the length of the novel to be too long and overwhelming.
3. The novel does not have a clear resolution or conclusion, which can leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.
4. The novel includes explicit content that may be inappropriate for some readers.
5. The novel focuses heavily on the war in Sudan and the plight of refugees, which can be emotionally challenging for some readers.
How to Utilize the Power of Storytelling Like Dave Eggers in What is the What
Dave Eggers’ What is the What is a powerful story of loss, resilience and identity that has been widely praised for its emotional impact. As an author and storyteller, Eggers demonstrates how stories can be used to engage and move an audience. If you’d like to learn how to use storytelling in your own work, here are a few tips from Eggers’ book:
- Focus on Character Development. In What is the What, Eggers brings his characters to life through vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue. He also uses flashbacks to show how events from the past have shaped their lives. By focusing on character development, you can create compelling stories with relatable protagonists.
- Choose Your Setting Carefully. The setting of What is the What is crucial to understanding its characters and themes. Through his description of Sudanese culture and landscapes, Eggers creates a sense of place that pulls readers into his world. When crafting your own stories, consider carefully how you want your setting to shape the narrative.
- Be Honest with Yourself. One of the most remarkable aspects of Eggers’ writing is his willingness to delve into difficult topics without shying away from uncomfortable truths. In order to craft honest and effective stories, it’s important that you confront difficult ideas with courage and humility.
By following Eggers’ example in What is the What, you can learn how to use storytelling as a tool for expressing yourself and connecting with your readers. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, remember that stories have power – use it wisely!
Questions about What is the What by Dave Eggers
What is What is the What?
What is the What is a 2006 non-fiction novel by Dave Eggers, based on the life of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee who emigrated to the United States. The book follows Deng’s experiences in war-torn Sudan and his journey to America.
What topics does What is the What cover?
What is the What covers a wide range of topics, from war and conflict, to immigration and identity, to resilience and hope. It paints a vivid portrait of Sudanese culture and offers insight into what it means to be a refugee.
Is there an audio version available for What is the What?
Yes, an audio version of What is the What is available on Audible.com. It’s narrated by Dion Graham and was released in 2011.
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.