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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
some things about this book annoyed me (like the second person stuff) but it is hard to deny the power of valentino's story. very glad I read it, even if it didn't blow my
mind.
mind.
I'm having difficulty putting into words what I want to say about this book. It had huge emotional impact for me and really illuminated the tragedy that has happened in Sudan over the last decades. African history in general (let alone country-specific events) is vague to so many Americans. "What is the What" is a must-read for anyone with any interest in modern-day Sudan. Beautifully written, gripping and funny. Eggers' brings home a frightening tragedy while making it compelling and accessible. Achek's story is the epitome of triumph over tragedy.
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have struggled for days to write this review. So much of the Lost Boys’ stories was new to me. I could only read this work about twenty pages per sitting. Some of it was horrific. Some of it rambled. Some of it didn’t hold my attention. Some of it rattled me to the core. I usually like dual timelines; but this time it got in the way. I do feel every American needs to know the real horror that continues to this day; I am sad that the conflict seems perpetual.
I thought that maybe once the walking journey was complete I wouldn't like the rest as much, but it was engaging and thoughtful to the very end. I loved listening to it, Dion Graham is an amazing narrator. It loses a star only because there are couple minor characters with loose ends, and I want to know what happened to them, or at least that what happened to them is unknown. And sometimes the format of jumping around in time confused me. I got a little obsessed with Sudan while reading, and I learned a lot.
Took me forever to get through this big book. I put it down to do a fun read more than once; but a very amazing story on perseverance.
I really enjoyed this book because the content matter was so fascinating but felt that at many points it really dragged. While I really do love eggers style I think this was definitely lost a little in translation. I was captivated and yet I found myself yearning for a little more cohesion. Still a beautiful story about such a courageous man and the lost boys of Sudan.
This book was eye opening at any time. With a backdrop of Ukraine right now, it serves double punch.
It will break your heart, but you must read this book.