What is the What summary

Surviving the Unimaginable

In What is the What by Dave Eggers, we follow the life of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee who was forced to flee his village during the Second Sudanese Civil War. At the tender age of seven, Valentino's life is turned upside down when his village is attacked by the Sudanese military. He embarks on a perilous journey, along with thousands of other boys, to escape the violence and find safety.

Valentino's journey is fraught with danger, as he and his companions face starvation, attacks from wild animals, and the constant threat of enemy soldiers. Despite these hardships, Valentino's resilience and determination keep him going. He forms close bonds with his fellow travelers, and together they navigate the harsh terrain, hoping to find refuge in Ethiopia.

Struggles in Exile

Upon reaching Ethiopia, Valentino and his friends are initially relieved to find a refugee camp. However, their respite is short-lived as they soon face new challenges. The Ethiopian government, facing its own internal conflicts, forces the refugees to leave. Valentino and his friends are once again on the move, this time back into Sudan.

Back in Sudan, the boys are caught in the middle of the war once more. They are forced to flee yet again, this time to Kenya. The journey to Kenya is long and treacherous, and many of Valentino's friends do not survive. Those who do make it to Kenya are met with the harsh reality of life in a refugee camp, where resources are scarce, and violence is a constant threat.

Hope and Despair in America

After years of living in the refugee camp, Valentino is selected for resettlement in the United States. His arrival in America is both a dream come true and a rude awakening. He is overwhelmed by the culture shock and the challenges of adapting to a new way of life. Despite the support of his foster family and the local community, Valentino struggles with feelings of isolation and homesickness.

Valentino's difficulties in America are compounded by the ongoing violence in Sudan. He is haunted by the fate of his family and friends back home and feels a deep sense of survivor's guilt. He also faces discrimination and misunderstanding from those who cannot comprehend the horrors he has endured. Despite these challenges, Valentino perseveres, determined to make a better life for himself and to help his people back in Sudan.

Valentino's Ongoing Journey

As the book concludes, Valentino is still grappling with his past and his present. He is studying at a university, working part-time, and advocating for the people of Sudan. He has founded the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation, which aims to provide educational opportunities for Sudanese children. Despite the unimaginable hardships he has faced, Valentino remains hopeful and determined to make a positive impact.

In What is the What, Dave Eggers presents a powerful and moving account of one man's extraordinary journey. Through Valentino's story, we gain insight into the devastating impact of war and displacement, as well as the resilience of the human spirit. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by refugees around the world and the importance of compassion and understanding in addressing their plight.