What Is the What Summary & Key Insights

Dave Eggers's "What Is the What" is a fictionalized autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng, a Dinka boy from South Sudan who escapes the horrors of the Second Sudanese Civil War. The novel tells Deng's harrowing story through a first-person narrative, skillfully blending factual accounts with Eggers's creative writing. The book isn't simply a recounting of events; it's a powerful exploration of trauma, resilience, and the complexities of displacement and identity.

The plot follows Deng's journey from his childhood in a peaceful village, where he enjoys a relatively idyllic life with his family, to the brutal realities of war. The devastating Second Sudanese Civil War forces Deng and thousands of others to flee their homes, embarking on a perilous trek through the unforgiving landscape. This journey is characterized by starvation, disease, constant fear of attack from government forces and other tribes, and the agonizing loss of loved ones – including his parents and siblings. The sheer brutality and scale of the suffering are vividly portrayed, leaving an indelible mark on the reader.

The narrative centers on Deng’s struggles for survival. He witnesses unimaginable atrocities, endures immense hardship, and faces repeated setbacks. He joins a large group of “lost boys,” a generation of orphaned and displaced children wandering through the wilderness, their vulnerability exploited by various opportunistic groups. The deep bonds of friendship formed within this group, particularly with other boys, are a crucial element of his survival. His unwavering hope and resilience, even in the face of near-certain death, become defining aspects of his character.

Eventually, Deng reaches a refugee camp in Ethiopia, then Kenya, and finally finds his way to the United States as a refugee. The transition to life in America is jarring; Deng must navigate a completely unfamiliar culture, language, and societal expectations. He grapples with PTSD, the lingering trauma of his past, and the inherent difficulties of assimilating into a new society. He also faces the emotional burden of his lost family and childhood, continuously seeking reconciliation with his past.

The overarching themes of the novel include the devastating impact of war, the resilience of the human spirit, the complexities of identity and belonging in the face of displacement, and the lasting effects of trauma. It’s a story of profound loss but also of remarkable hope and the possibility of finding peace and rebuilding life even after experiencing unimaginable suffering. "What Is the What" compels the reader to confront the realities of genocide and the plight of refugees while simultaneously celebrating the enduring power of human connection and the unwavering hope for a better future.