What Is The What by Dave Eggers is a powerful and deeply moving novel that intricately blends fiction and autobiography. Critics praised its compelling narrative and the poignant portrayal of Sudanese refugee experiences. Some felt the pacing lagged in parts, but overall, the book's emotional depth and narrative strength resonated widely.

Readers who appreciate literary fiction and memoirs with a focus on social issues and resilience will enjoy What Is the What by Dave Eggers. Fans of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah will find this gripping tale of a Sudanese refugee's survival and hope particularly compelling.

What Is the What by Dave Eggers is a “fictionalized autobiography” about Valentino Achak Deng, a boy displaced during the Second Sudanese War. Fleeing his village after an attack, Deng endures a perilous journey through hostile territories, eventually reaching refugee camps and later emigrating to the United States, where he faces new challenges while reflecting on his past and helping other Sudanese refugees. The book contains descriptions of violence, trauma, and war.

Mysterious / Challenging / Emotional / Melancholic / Inspirational

- What Is The What is a novelization of the real-life experiences of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee and one of the Lost Boys of Sudan.
- Despite being a novel, the book is written in the first-person perspective, blurring lines between fiction and autobiography, which was a creative choice by Dave Eggers to convey Valentino's story authentically.

**Valentino Achak Deng**  
The protagonist and narrator, who journeys from South Sudan through refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya before resettling in Atlanta, Georgia as part of the Lost Boys of Sudan.

**Achor Achor**  
Deng’s roommate in Atlanta and fellow Lost Boy, known for his survival skills and supportiveness, making his transition to American life smoother.

**Tonya**  
A woman who plays a key role in the robbery of Deng’s apartment at the beginning of the story.

**Powder**  
Tonya’s male accomplice in the robbery, responsible for physically assaulting Deng.

**TV Boy/Michael**  
Tonya’s son, who is left to guard Deng during the robbery, and initially referred to as "TV Boy."

**Deng Arou**  
Deng’s father, a successful businessman in their village before the war disrupted his life and business.

**Moses**  
One of Deng’s close friends, known for his transformation into a physically fit soldier with the rebels before making it to America.

**William K**  
Deng’s childhood friend from Marial Bai, who enjoys telling exaggerated stories.

**Tabitha**  
Deng’s girlfriend whom he met in the Kakuma refugee camp, known for her special connection with him.

**Dut Majok**  
A leader among the Lost Boys, instrumental in guiding them to safety and establishing a semblance of normalcy in the refugee camps.

**Mary Williams**  
The founder of the Lost Boys Foundation in America and a close friend of Deng, who eventually steps down from her position.

**Julian**  
A hospital receptionist and Iraq War veteran who checks Deng in and shows him some sympathy, though he has limited ability to assist.

Dave Eggers

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Book 1

Book 1, Chapters 1-3

What Is The What Book 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 4-6

What Is The What Book 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 7-9

What Is The What Book 1, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 10-12

What Is The What Book 1, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Book 1-Book 2

Book 1, Chapters 13-14; Book 2, Chapter 15

What Is The What Book 1, Chapters 13-14; Book 2, Chapter 15 Summary & Analysis

Book 2

Book 2, Chapters 16-18

What Is The What Book 2, Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 19-21

What Is The What Book 2, Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Book 3

Book 3, Chapters 22-26

What Is The What Book 3, Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

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What Is The What Character Analysis

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What Is The What

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