1. What is the What
Dave Eggers

2. Context Based on the real life of Valentino Achak Deng
1980s - Fled Sudan
9 years in Ethiopia and Kenyan refugee camps
resettled in Atlanta, GA
Established Valentino Achak Deng Foundation

3. North/South Sudan Split
Sudan was a British colony.
North: Like Egypt - Arabic speaking.
South: Like Western Africa colonies - Kenya, Uganda
First civil war was conflict over decolonization, after England stopped ruling in
Second civil war was over oil fields and other natural resources.

4. 2nd Sudanese Civil War
Broke the Addis Ababa Accord - Seperates the powers between the central Sudanese government and the regional powers of South Sudan.
Formed Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA): Rebels who want to establish an independent South Sudan.

5. 2nd Sudanese Civil War
Sudanese Government v. Sudan People’s Liberation Army
South Sudan gained independence in 2011
2 million + people died because of the war. (conflict, famine, disease)
4 million + displaced because of the war.

6. Sudan

7. Side Note: Darfur Genocide starting in 2003 - continues.
Sudan’s government “ethnic cleansing”
against non-Arabs. 200, ,000
civilians were murdered. El-Bashir wanted to
make a more Arab (Muslim) country. .

8. The Lost Boys
20,000 + Dinka and Nuer boys who were displaced during the 2nd Sudanese Civil War.

9. Themes Connection to the Land War and Genocide
Importance of Storytelling
Coming-of-Age

10. Shameless Plug Luol Deng - NBA Forward
Fled Sudan - Egypt - London - New Jersey
Mr. Bucarey’s friend from high school