What Is the What

Discover “What Is the What” by Dave Eggers, a poignant narrative shedding irony for a heartrending account of a young man’s odyssey from Africa to America.


Summary of What Is the What: The book chronicles the compelling journey of a young man named Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee, as he navigates the harrowing experiences of displacement, survival, and eventual resettlement in the United States.
 
Analysis of What Is the What: Dave Eggers portrays Deng’s narrative with raw emotion, offering a powerful exploration of resilience, loss, and the human spirit amid adversity.
 
Characters in What Is the What: Valentino Achak Deng is at the center of the story, depicting the challenges faced by a displaced individual seeking safety and a sense of belonging.
 
Main Plot of What Is the What: Set against the backdrop of Sudan’s civil war and the refugee crisis, the book unveils Deng’s hardships, resilience, and his search for identity in a world torn by conflict.
 
Major Themes in What Is the What: Themes of displacement, endurance, cultural identity, and the pursuit of a better life resonate throughout the narrative, offering a poignant reflection on the refugee experience.
 
Genre and Reception of What Is the What: Recognized as a stirring work of fiction based on Deng’s real-life experiences, the book received acclaim for its compassionate storytelling and raising awareness about the plight of refugees.
 
Author’s Impact with What Is the What: Dave Eggers presents a compelling and heartrending tale that humanizes the refugee experience, prompting discussions on empathy, resilience, and the global refugee crisis.