What Is the What

By: Dave Eggers

Narrated by: Dion Graham

Length: 20 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The epic novel based on the life of Valentino Achak Deng who, along with thousands of other children —the so-called Lost Boys—was forced to leave his village in Sudan at the age of seven and trek hundreds of miles by foot, pursued by militias, government bombers, and wild animals, crossing the deserts of three countries to find freedom.

When he finally is resettled in the United States, he finds a life full of promise, but also heartache and myriad new challenges. Moving, suspenseful, and unexpectedly funny, What Is the What is an astonishing novel that illuminates the lives of millions through one extraordinary man.

“A testament to the triumph of hope over experience, human resilience over tragedy and disaster.” —Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

"An absolute classic. . . . Compelling, important, and vital to the understanding of the politics and emotional consequences of oppression.” —People

©2006 Dave Eggers (P)2007 BBC Audiobooks America

Critic reviews

"Engrossing." ( Publishers Weekly)

Beautiful

Having read the highly self-referential A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius a few months ago, I had no idea what to expect from Eggers in a novel about a Sudanese refugee. I couldn't imagine how the same writing style would work on that topic.

But Eggers plays it straight this time and simply tells a story. And it's a beautiful, moving story told with thoughtfulness, compassion, and a sense of humor. The narrative of the central character, Valentino, doesn't fail to convey the horrors of the Sudan conflict, but neither does it beat the reader over the head with tragedy. Valentino's calm voice instead makes East Africa (and the American experience of an African immigrant) real, impressing the reader with the fact that the Sudanese are as colorful, complex, and rich in their lives as anyone else. The fact that Valentino's both remarkably aware and astonishingly naive as a character makes him a fascinating witness to this turbulent history.

A wonderful book.

As far as the audio aspect of the novel goes, the reader did a great job with Valentino's accents and mannerisms, as well as those of Afro-American characters. The voices he does for some of the side characters were a little too cutesy for my liking, but it didn't drag down the overall listening experience.

An amazing and inspirational story

Every American needs to read or listen to this book. What a story of courage and determination! It has inspired me to do better in my life.

Both horrific and hopeful.

This story needed to be told. I cannot imagine a better narration. It is a wonder that any of the Lost Boys survived their ordeals.

Incredible.

What did you love best about What Is the What?

Valentino's spirit makes you laugh, cry, and feel uplifted in this amazing journey. The author and narrator are superb. This is a must read.

A A book I will or member for a long long time

One of the best books I have ever read. Incredibly inspiring and moving. I highly recommend.

Thirsting to know more about the Sudan.

I have seen Sudanese people at my church and around my town. I learned about the cultural characteristics of the Sudanese. I have a better understanding of the conflict that took place in the Sudan and the involvement of the USA. I will rewind and listen again.

Best book on the historical Accounts of those Days

I love this book so much. As an adult who was not born during those early days, I have struggles imagining what it might have been like for those who fleet on foot during those horrific nights. This book put my imagination to ease. After listening to your story, I feel like I can contribute to the discussion and empathize with those resentful toward one ethics group.

Thank You, Achak, for sharing your story

Love,
Nyajuok Tongyik Doluony
An Upper Nile woman who recently returned from Aweil sharing her story.

Gutwrenching, poetic, beautiful

I've been grabbing every Eggers book I can get my hands on since I came across "A Heartbreaking Work...." This displays Eggers story telling ability on a grand, not-so-self-absorbed level. I was inspired. And the reading is one of the best readings I've ever listened to, Dion Graham really brought the story of Atchuk Deng to life.

an amzing jouney

This is so well written and the narrator is fabulous. African accented English makes it all believable. If you want background on the problems of Sudan, this is the book for you.

Excellent Book, Excellent Reader

Not only is Eggers' book an engaging piece of fiction/nonfiction, the incredibly skillful reader does it justice with every word and change of voice.