kate327 's review for:

What Is the What by Dave Eggers

5.0

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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 Historical references are placed in context.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.