Monday, March 4, 2013

Book Review: What Is The What b y Dave Eggers (48 in 2012? #41)

  I said I was going to finish this off even though I didn't hit my goal, so here we go.  I have a feeling that these are all going to tend to be little short due to the fact it's been a while since I read them.  But I'm a man of my word, whether you care or not.  I'll probably start weaving in some 48 in 2013 books just do I don't get to far behind on those...



          What Is the What may be considered a novel, but that is just to protect Valentino Achak Deng from taking criticism for any details that might be slightly embellished.  This is a very true chronicle of Deng’s unbelievable journey to America from war torn Sudan by way of Ethiopia and Kenya.  In Dave Eggers extremely capable hands, Deng’s story hits home as a sad tale of being removed from everything one knows and love and the human condition to survive at all costs.  Though the narrative tends to drag at points, I can’t take anything away from the emotional potency of Deng’s journey.  The hardships he has overcome are amazing, the journey he is forced to take unbelievable.  It is certainly a testimony of what one person can accomplish when they put into a position where they are forced to adapt or die.
            Even though Eggers name is on the cover, and I’m sure he played a huge part in the verbiage and structure of the story, this novel is very much Deng’s.  If you are looking for typical Egger fare or a sequel to A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, this isn’t what you are looking for.  If, however, you want a highly educational, deeply moving story of humanity, this is the book for you.

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