What Is the What

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It's a hit!

I really reserve 5 stars for books that change the way I think/change my life, and Dave Eggers "What is the What?" certainly did that for me. The p... (show more)

I really reserve 5 stars for books that change the way I think/change my life, and Dave Eggers "What is the What?" certainly did that for me. The pasted together 'fictionalised' life story of Valentino Achak Deng, is one of pure heartbreak, survival and hope. A searing account of the life of a Sudanese refugee in America and his account of his 14 years spent as a refugee in Kenya, I was aware of Sudan and all of its troubles, however now I feel greatly educated to the Sudanese peoples plight and humbled by my wealthy life in comparison. This book just poured into my brain, made me cry on several occasions but also made me laugh and smile at the vivid descriptions of the people in his life. There is so many ways for a small boy to die in Sudan, and too many are described here, but an honest account couldnt be without them. An easy read, but a heartbreaking one, I urge you to give the gift of this book to yourself. It will change how you see the world and your life. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook User

No, it's a flop!

The dialogue is great but the convention of the main character to tell his story grows old very quickly. He does this thing where he talks to chara... (show more)

The dialogue is great but the convention of the main character to tell his story grows old very quickly. He does this thing where he talks to characters either in his life or in the room with him, but in his head, telling him how hard he had it. After the first 200 pages you start to realize it's just a gimmick to tell long stretches of the history of Sudan or technical things that aren't as personal to the characters life as they should be. While there are great moments of action and suspense most of this story is a bit disjointed and boring.

For instance there are moments where the character refers to a job he has, or a person in his life, then 100 pages later seemingly states the same thing as though he didn't already mention it. It's clear Eggers was trying to speak in the main characters voice, trying to add his naiveté but at times it doesn't stick. Overall I'd say the book is too long and too preachy, but it is enlightening to learn about these events, although they would probably better fit in a history book. (show less)

 

 

by David Brooke

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  Like Jonathan Safran Foer's Everything Is Illuminated and Hillary Jordan's Mudbound, Dave Eggers' What Is The What is a book I can onlt stare at for a time upon finishing. I stare at the novel because there is nothing else I could do that would not insult its memory; acting like I could simply turn on a movie, or pick up another book - like I could mentally move on with my life so immediate to the story's conclusion - would be a lie.
  What Is The What is the least condescending, yet the... (show more)

  Like Jonathan Safran Foer's Everything Is Illuminated and Hillary Jordan's Mudbound, Dave Eggers' What Is The What is a book I can onlt stare at for a time upon finishing. I stare at the novel because there is nothing else I could do that would not insult its memory; acting like I could simply turn on a movie, or pick up another book - like I could mentally move on with my life so immediate to the story's conclusion - would be a lie.
  What Is The What is the least condescending, yet the most humbling book I've ever read. Whatever obstacles I've overcome, or points of contention I've held with another party, seem embarrassingly irrelevant in the light of the trials of the Lost Boys. I hope the impact their stories has on me is permanent, that I can distance myself from the worries at-hand and ask myself if my feelings are justifiable in the larger scheme of life.
  If I had been in their region, in their time, I doubt the resilience I pride myself on today would have served me accordingly. The respect and awe I have for the Lost Boys and Lost Girls of Sudan stems from the very bottom of my soul. (show less)

   

  by Jennifer McDonnell on Aug 08, 2009 at 03:06AM

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  I have learned so much history of the Sudanese people through reading this book. I am feeling many emotions at this time. While reading about his adventures in his life, I became so, so aware that we as north Americans take so much for granted. Our health, food, friendly neighbours, the elements surrounding us that are much kinder to us. Justice, no tribal or civil wars. But, on the other hand, I had much to admire about his culture that we are lacking in what we call " a civilized ... (show more)

  I have learned so much history of the Sudanese people through reading this book. I am feeling many emotions at this time. While reading about his adventures in his life, I became so, so aware that we as north Americans take so much for granted. Our health, food, friendly neighbours, the elements surrounding us that are much kinder to us. Justice, no tribal or civil wars. But, on the other hand, I had much to admire about his culture that we are lacking in what we call " a civilized culture". Convoluted, we seek lack of simplicity in our culture.
  Valentino Achak Deng has combatted forces in life that are more simple though extremely dangerous in nature, and through his own determination to live, instinctually, has survived. Not a trivial win as he expresses so in his battle just to survive day to day.
  The element that sets our cultures apart is when he is finally "transported" to the U.S. What awaits him there is lack of compassion because he is one of the "lost boys", much press has already condemned him, an act of heroism on the U.S. and these lost boys should bow down and be SO thankful. Who among us in Canada or the U.S. could survive such atrocities of life?
  Ohmygod! They should be so thankful. What he endured in a "civilized" country surely entied Achek to go back where he was recognozided as a human being, who could be an asset to his country... and be counted as person who did make a difference. (show less)

   

  by Facebook User on Jul 24, 2009 at 01:29AM

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