This book is worth reading but in my opinion it can't be read as a work of art, but to raise awareness of what's happening in Sudan.

I've always wanted to learn more about the war in Sudan, so I'm glad I picked up this book (thanks Kat!), although I wished Eggers provided us with more details about the politics and history of the war - much of these things were told in a way you'd find in first grade history books, accounted by Achuk as a child as he hears from the elders. But then again, maybe this method should be lauded because it's probably what keeps the young readers from getting bored and putting down the book.

This was my first Eggers (besides "The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007"), and I'm already not a fan. I found his writing to be overly simplistic, full of cliches, and unimaginative. The foreshadows littered across the book were clumsy and intrusive, and I was angry by how they barely left any surprises.

What really got on my nerves was the framework of the novel: present-day Achak in the U.S. accounting his story of 15 years as a refugee by ways of telepathy to people he encounters throughout his day, from burglars that invade his home to customers at his gym. Did anybody else find this to be annoying? I know the purpose is to demonstrate Achak's desire for his story to be heard, but it was way too excessive and even obsessive.

I think the social cause this novel serves is wonderful (the proceeds go to the Sudanese cause), but the biggest problem I had with it was that I didn't think that Eggers did Achak's powerful story justice. My opinion would be different if this book was classified as a biography or even a memoir, but being a work of fiction I would expect it to offer more ingenuity.

As a side note, I'm puzzled as to why this novel is cross-listed as an autobiography.

Wow! There is quite a surprising story that comes along with the initial purchase of this book.I was initially turned-on to it at a small bookstore in Aspen back in January, though I didn't buy it as "Persuasion" was my intended find and resulting aquisition. Then, a few days ago, a co-worker gave me a documentary to watch called "God Grew Tired of Us." As I wait to board, I watch it. Ironically, it is a very similar story and reminded me of this book. So, as I walk past the airport bookstore, what do I see? This book--again. Naturally, I buy it before takeoff and start turning pages immediately. Turns-out, the stories are strikingly similar. So, I'm about a hundred pages in after my flight, and I'm awaiting my ride from the airport when a man clearly of african origins sits down next to me. So, I start up a convo with him. Turns-out, he was a "lost boy" himself and was a refugee at a camp in Kakumu, Kenya, and who had been relocated to Chicago through the UN. He said his entire family had been killed, but that as a "lost boy" had established an extended "new family" of refugees and they were relocated to Tucson. The irony of this day is rediculous. I started out watching a documentary, then bought a book, and 8 hours later am having an amazing convo with a fellow at an airport who actually lived the life I had been learning about all day. Remarkable! As you can imagine, I was not upset the least bit that I was forgotten by family at the aiport for an hour and a half-otherwise, this would never have happened. And you say there is no God!? -Sheesh, man! Anyway, while I am enjoying "What is the What" already, it is so much more significant now. What's the meaning of this day and experience,exactly? I can't say, but I'll tell you one thing, I wish I would've continued on to Nairobi when I had the chance. So, I'm now motivated more than ever, not only to finish the book, but also to finish the journey I once started. Will let you know what happens with the book, and my new inspiration. Truly an awesome and inspiring day!

Os Meninos Perdidos do Sudão eram um grupo de mais de 20.000 garotos dos grupos étnicos nueres e dinkas que foram deslocados ou ficaram órfãos durante a Segunda Guerra Civil Sudanesa (1987–2005). No total, quase dois milhões de pessoas foram mortos e tantos outros foram severamente afetados pelo conflito.

Os meninos supracitados embarcaram em jornadas perigosas para campos de refugiados na Etiópia e no Quênia, onde milhares ficaram abrigados por vários anos. A alguns deles foram oferecidas novas vidas por meio de programas oficiais de reassentamento nos Estados Unidos, que é o caso do protagonista Valentino Achak Deng de "O que é o quê", de Dave Eggers, que conta essa sua estória em quase 600 páginas.

A complexidade e brutalidade desse conflito tão pouco difundido nos meios escolares bem como a aventura de Valentino para fugir da guerra ou para simplesmente sobreviver à matança generalizada à sua volta já justificam a importância desta leitura, mas tirando o interesse histórico do conflito, sobra muito pouco. Difícil ter empatia com Valentino, cuja teatralidade da narrativa faz com que achemos que ele é o verdadeiro criador do bordão "eu aumento, mas não invento"; talvez culpa de Eggers, que não achou o tom certo para conduzir a estória.

Assim, o que mais me incomodou foi o lugar que Eggers ocupa na obra. Apesar de pretender amplificar a voz de Valentino, ele a domina completamente, transformando a história do protagonista em um espetáculo de vaidade literária. A sensação de desconexão é constante, como se a dor real e a luta de Valentino fossem apenas um pano de fundo para as ambições do autor. No final, "O que é o Quê" fracassa em seu propósito mais básico: emocionar, conscientizar e engajar o leitor. Em vez disso, entrega uma narrativa que parece mais preocupada em ser admirada do que em fazer justiça à história de Valentino. É um livro que prometia muito, mas se afoga em pretensão, deixando uma impressão duradoura não pela força de sua mensagem, mas pela decepção que provoca.

Avaliação Final: 4,0/10
Leitura Concluída: 1º livro de 2025
Próxima Leitura: "Anatomia de Um Instante" (Javier Cercas)