What is the What Part 1: Pages 1-45

Throughout the first 45 pages of What is the What by David Eggers, Valentino's experiences of the Sudan and immigration from the refugee camps into Atlanta are exposed. Valentino's experiences begin with countless murders, a product of the 20 year Civil War and finish with a memory of Valentino and his fearful trips through the jungles of Africa where an attack by a lion could occur at any time. However, these memories or so called flashbacks are not the most shocking revelation of the novel. Valentino's apartment that he shares with a fellow Sudan immigrant named Achor Achor is broken into by a women and man. Their apartment is robbed and Valentino is assaulted on multiple occasions. On one occasion Valentino is assaulted to such a high extant that he is knocked out. This is where Valentino currently stands on page 45.

Intro: What is What by Dave Eggers

Valentino Achak Deng the main character in What is the What by Dave Eggers. This novel based around the theme of diversity. Valentino an immigrant from Africa spent his early life in refugee camps during a time of civil war in which Sudan's government was against the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army. Valentino moved to the United States and lives in Atlanta where hundreds of refugees have been placed. Valentino must now deal with a change in atmosphere and an introduction to western cultures. Valentino used to run from lions, avoid bombings, and live a life of fear. That fear is still deep within Valentino's mind the only difference is where it is coming from.