Novel: What is the What

Introduction
"What is the What" is a 2006 unique composed by Dave Eggers. The book tells the real story of Valentino Achak Deng, among the Lost Boys of Sudan, who traveled thousands of miles and dealt with many challenges in his journey from Sudan to Ethiopia, Kenya, and eventually, the United States. Mixing real-life experiences with fictional aspects, Eggers tells a powerful and gripping narrative of a boy's battle to survive in a world torn apart by war, hardship, and displacement.

Setting and Background
The book is set in the backdrop of the Sudanese Civil War, which began in 1983 and led to the displacement and mass exodus of countless young kids from the area, who became called the Lost Boys of Sudan. The story follows the life and journey of Valentino Achak Deng, who was separated from his household due to the violent dispute and was required to start a long and unsafe journey, along with countless other young kids.

Plot Summary - The Journey
The narrative is told through a mix of flashbacks and contemporary events, which assess the experiences and memories of Valentino's life. The story starts with Valentino, an adult living in the United States, being violently assaulted and held captive by 2 robbers in his home. As he is depending on the flooring, hurt and awaiting assistance, he reminiscences about his traumatic journey and experiences as a Lost Boy of Sudan.

From a young age, Valentino is separated from his family during the dispute and is forced to embark on a risky journey to escape the violence. Along the way, he encounters various challenges and tragedies - consisting of the loss of family and friends, harmful wildlife, illness, cravings, and attacks by armed forces. The young boys, consisting of Valentino, kind groups and count on each other for support and survival.

The Refugees
Valentino ultimately winds up at a refugee camp in Ethiopia, where he and other Lost Boys are supplied with some shelter, food, and education. However, severe conditions and continued violence in the area force Valentino to when again flee, now heading to a second refugee camp in Kenya. In these camps, Valentino experiences lots of challenges, such as disease, inadequate resources, and poor living conditions.

Pertaining to America
In 2001, Valentino is informed that he has been picked to transplant in the United States, together with countless other Lost Boys. With dreams of a bright future, Valentino begins his new life in America. However, he rapidly understands that the transition to life in the United States is not void of barriers. He deals with cultural misconceptions, bias, and dissatisfaction, as he struggles to adjust to his new home, discover employment, and manage the injury of his past. It wants experiencing a violent attack in his own house that he starts to question whether he has actually really found the security and stability he had sought.

Conclusion
"What is the What" is a powerful and moving story that looks into the severe realities experienced by refugees and survivors of war. Through Valentino's story, readers get a peek into the resilience, strength, and hope of those displaced by violence and required to forge brand-new lives in spite of overwhelming challenges. Furthermore, the book also works as a call to action for readers, advising them to acknowledge and attend to the ongoing humanitarian crises on the planet.

The title, "What is the What", is a poetic reflection of the uncertainty of life - musing on the unknown future, the meaning of existence, and the indescribable experiences that comprise a person's story. In the end, this unique serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope in the middle of unimaginable obstacles.