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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
I found this one of the most stirring books I have read in many years. This novel/biography of refugee Valentino Achak Deng is an emotionally compelling account of one of the Lost Boys caught up in the Sudanese civil war. Written in Achak's voice, his stream-of-consciousness recollections place the reader right beside him throughout his journey. This is a tale of man's inhumanity to man, survival, perseverance, and resilience. Historical references are placed in context. One of the most interesting aspects of the book was learning about the conditions and politics of refugee camps, a perspective one doesn't get when listening to the evening news. This incredibly well written book is the second I have read by by Eggers, and he is fast becoming a favourite author.
Everyone should read this. Great storytelling and historical account of life during the last few decades of Sudanese life.
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I tire of Eggers quickly.
"How can I pretend that you do not exist? It would be almost as impossible as you pretending that I do not exist."
"How can I pretend that you do not exist? It would be almost as impossible as you pretending that I do not exist."
I have so much admiration for Dave Eggers and, now, for Valentino Achak Deng. I really wanted to love this book. The content is so important, and the stories so compelling. But I just didn't find it to be a page-turner at all. I'd like to say this is because the material is so heavy, but I think it has a lot more to do with the writing style.
So many books about tragedy are painfully monotonous. Achak Deng, though Dave Eggers, produces a story that is touching, heartfelt, and realistic. The sad parts are devastating, the happy moments elating, and Achak's ability to see the humor in every day life, especially from his childhood, is incredible.
I often find myself shying away from stories of refugees, thinking I won't relate to them, they won't be colorful, they will be depressing. In "What is the What," David Eggers, an author popular from the autobiographical "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,' acts as the pen of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee in America. The book moves rather seemlesly (although sometimes using sort of cheap expository techniques) between Valentino's life in America back to his like in Sudan, his cross country trek to refugee camps, and his near escapes over and over again from sure death. Through it all Valentino (known in Sudan as Achak) gives through his example a message of hope and endurance. Though his society and customs are foreign, the overall message is one any teenager can relate to: a conflicting desire to make one's own way, and also preserve one's ancestral customs. The book is long, but engaging. I would recommend it to be taught with a history unit, especially recent world history. It enlightened me to the struggle in Africa, and what is driving it.
Simply put, this is on of the best books I've read in a long time. It is utterly brilliant. What is the What is the fictionalized truth of the life of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee who has made it to life in America. What is the What recounts the immense struggles of his war plagued country Sudan and the harsh difficulties of escaping it. Eloquently told in a back and forth between his present struggles to adapt to his new American life, and flashbacks to a much more difficult time. We are taken on a heartbreaking and almost unbelievable journey of survival that treks from Sudan, to Ethiopia, and Kenya, and the immense hardships along the way. It is impossible to read this book and not be overwhelmed with how good we have it in our own lives, no matter the everyday problems we face. It really forces you to take an entirely new look at our lives, and our many blessings, and to realize that we are the lucky ones. At the same time, it serves as a grim reminder and as an important history lesson for what has happened in Sudan. This book is a triumph of humanity, and an important story to absorb. A must read.
I love this book. Highly reccomend to anyone. It will change how you think about everything