Discover books similar to "What Is the What"
Dave Eggers
What Is the What
4.16
"What Is the What" by Dave Eggers is a powerful and moving novel that tells the harrowing true story of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan. The book is a work of fiction, but it is based on the real experiences of Deng, who was forced to flee his village in Sudan at the age of seven and embark on a perilous journey through war-torn Africa, eventually resettling in the United States as a refugee. The novel is structured as a series of flashbacks, with Deng recounting his experiences to a friend in his adopted home of Atlanta. Through these memories, we see the incredible hardships that Deng and his fellow refugees faced, including hunger, disease, and violence at the hands of both government soldiers and rebel forces. Despite these challenges, Deng remains determined to survive and make a better life for himself, even as he grapples with the trauma of his past and the difficulties of adapting to a new culture. Eggers' writing is both lyrical and unflinching, capturing the beauty and brutality of Deng's experiences with equal clarity. He also explores larger themes of identity, displacement, and the human capacity for resilience. At its core, "What Is the What" is a deeply human story, one that reminds us of the power of hope and the importance of compassion. Overall, "What Is the What" is a remarkable and affecting novel that is not to be missed. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by refugees around the world. Whether you are a fan of literary fiction, history, or social justice, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression...
List of books similar to "What Is the What":
Junot Díaz
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Like 'What Is the What', 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' is a novel that explores the immigrant experience in a unique and compelling way. Díaz's book follows the life of a Dominican immigrant and his family as they navigate life in America, touching on themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
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Viet Thanh Nguyen
The Sympathizer
In 'The Sympathizer', Nguyen tells the story of a Vietnamese communist double agent living in America after the fall of Saigon. This novel, like 'What Is the What', explores the complexities of identity and the challenges of adapting to a new culture.
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Jhumpa Lahiri
The Namesake
In 'The Namesake', Lahiri tells the story of an Indian immigrant family living in America and the challenges they face as they try to balance their traditional values with their new life in a foreign land. This novel, like 'What Is the What', explores the complexities of identity and the search for a sense of belonging.
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Khaled Hosseini
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Hosseini's novel tells the story of two Afghan women whose lives intertwine in Kabul, offering a powerful and moving portrayal of the challenges and struggles they face. 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' is a great choice for fans of 'What Is the What' who are interested in exploring the experiences of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
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Cormac McCarthy
The Road
In 'The Road', McCarthy tells the story of a father and son trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. This novel, like 'What Is the What', explores the themes of survival, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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Barbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible
Kingsolver's novel tells the story of an evangelical Baptist family from Georgia who move to the Belgian Congo in 1959. 'The Poisonwood Bible' offers a powerful and moving portrayal of the challenges and struggles the family faces as they try to adapt to their new environment, making it a great choice for fans of 'What Is the What' who are interested in exploring the experiences of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
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