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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
I found the first half of this book really slow. It seemed like Achak remembered more details of earlier events, maybe, so everything was told with so much detail it felt like I was experiencing it in real time. The second half had less detail, and I liked that better. I really didn't like how Achak told his story of the past to characters in the present. This seemed unnecessary, and bothered me a lot. But I'm glad I read this, and that Achak told his story. He's survived a lot and it's all pretty depressing, especially how bad things are for him when he finally gets to America. I hope he eventually did get a degree at university like he wanted to.
What is the What is a fictionalized account of the real life experiences of Valentino Achak Deng, the narrator of the story, a “Lost Boy of Sudan.” Valentino was one of the “lucky ones,” he survived civil war, fleeing his homeland and living in multiple refugee camps over a nine year period before he was able to emigrate to the U.S. The story is fictionalized in that early memories of a young boy during war time may not be clear and cannot be corroborated.
Valentino is telling his story from Atlanta where is working and studying at a community college. He also speaks about his experience to community organizations and stays in contact with other “Lost Boys.” His experience as an emigrant in the U.S. is challenging.
This was not an easy read but Valentino is a likeable and engaging narrator, I could not help to be drawn in. The format humanizes the story.
I finished this book a few weeks ago and there have been a number of times since when elements of Valentino’s story have come up. Everything from the concept of birthdates and the fluidity of names to international jockeying to control oil and natural resources and the paths that bring immigrants to U.S. This is a book that I am going to reflect on time and time again.
Proceeds from the novel helps to establish a foundation and since Valentino has served as co-founder of an educational organization in South Sudan.
Valentino is telling his story from Atlanta where is working and studying at a community college. He also speaks about his experience to community organizations and stays in contact with other “Lost Boys.” His experience as an emigrant in the U.S. is challenging.
This was not an easy read but Valentino is a likeable and engaging narrator, I could not help to be drawn in. The format humanizes the story.
I finished this book a few weeks ago and there have been a number of times since when elements of Valentino’s story have come up. Everything from the concept of birthdates and the fluidity of names to international jockeying to control oil and natural resources and the paths that bring immigrants to U.S. This is a book that I am going to reflect on time and time again.
Proceeds from the novel helps to establish a foundation and since Valentino has served as co-founder of an educational organization in South Sudan.
I liked that the story was based on reality but was called a novel and not non-fiction so that Eggers was able to take more liberties with the story and create a well written book. I found it hard to get through though but I think it was important to further educate myself on the situation in Sudan.
This was a difficult read, especially considering the current refugee climate. The life of a refugee before and after entering a settlement was tough to read about, but I found it even harder to read about his experiences once he was settled in the US. The lack of decency makes me questions if the US is a good place to bring these vulnerable people.
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
(Had to go back & upgrade to 5 stars - haven't stopped thinking about it since I read it.)
How much hardship can one person withstand? This much. This book is based on the true story of a Lost Boy of Sudan so I expected and got heartbreak. But most of all, it's a beautifully written story, in what seems to be the true voice
of our Lost Boy, that leaves an indelible impression of what it means to be a refugee, a transplant, forgotten and redeemed.
How much hardship can one person withstand? This much. This book is based on the true story of a Lost Boy of Sudan so I expected and got heartbreak. But most of all, it's a beautifully written story, in what seems to be the true voice
of our Lost Boy, that leaves an indelible impression of what it means to be a refugee, a transplant, forgotten and redeemed.
LONG. Took me a bit to get into, but now that I am almost done, I am liking it.
A sad tragedy filled with brutal injustice, but also with more humor and hope you would aspect. Impressive and important.
Though it's not the type of book I would normally choose for myself, I'm glad my new book club got me to read it. For such a terrible story, I really loved the way it was written and the levity that was peppered in every time it was getting a bit too heavy. I found it really easy to read. And truly eye opening, since I knew next to nothing about the Lost Boys. So happy to have read this and had a great discussion about it, too!
This book is amazing & based on true events. The main character's humor and perseverance is incredible.
http://www.vadfoundation.org
http://www.vadfoundation.org