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50 pages 1 hour read

What Is The What

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

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Book Brief

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Dave Eggers

What Is The What

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

538

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sudan • 1980s-1990s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

870L

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Super Short Summary

What Is the What by Dave Eggers is a “fictionalized autobiography” about Valentino Achak Deng, a boy displaced during the Second Sudanese War. Fleeing his village after an attack, Deng endures a perilous journey through hostile territories, eventually reaching refugee camps and later emigrating to the United States, where he faces new challenges while reflecting on his past and helping other Sudanese refugees. The book contains descriptions of violence, trauma, and war.

Mysterious

Challenging

Emotional

Melancholic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

87,524 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

What Is The What by Dave Eggers is a powerful and deeply moving novel that intricately blends fiction and autobiography. Critics praised its compelling narrative and the poignant portrayal of Sudanese refugee experiences. Some felt the pacing lagged in parts, but overall, the book's emotional depth and narrative strength resonated widely.

Who should read this

Who Should Read What Is The What?

Readers who appreciate literary fiction and memoirs with a focus on social issues and resilience will enjoy What Is the What by Dave Eggers. Fans of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah will find this gripping tale of a Sudanese refugee's survival and hope particularly compelling.

4.3

87,524 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Valentino Achak Deng

The protagonist and narrator, who journeys from South Sudan through refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya before resettling in Atlanta, Georgia as part of the Lost Boys of Sudan.

Deng’s roommate in Atlanta and fellow Lost Boy, known for his survival skills and supportiveness, making his transition to American life smoother.

A woman who plays a key role in the robbery of Deng’s apartment at the beginning of the story.

Tonya’s male accomplice in the robbery, responsible for physically assaulting Deng.

Tonya’s son, who is left to guard Deng during the robbery, and initially referred to as "TV Boy."

Deng’s father, a successful businessman in their village before the war disrupted his life and business.

One of Deng’s close friends, known for his transformation into a physically fit soldier with the rebels before making it to America.

Deng’s childhood friend from Marial Bai, who enjoys telling exaggerated stories.

Deng’s girlfriend whom he met in the Kakuma refugee camp, known for her special connection with him.

A leader among the Lost Boys, instrumental in guiding them to safety and establishing a semblance of normalcy in the refugee camps.

The founder of the Lost Boys Foundation in America and a close friend of Deng, who eventually steps down from her position.

A hospital receptionist and Iraq War veteran who checks Deng in and shows him some sympathy, though he has limited ability to assist.

Book Details
Pages

538

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sudan • 1980s-1990s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

870L

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