[Side note: Interestingly, ¿El qué? — which literally translates as “the what?” — is an expression I hear often in Spanish (perhaps because of the way I speak?). It essentially means, in English, “What?” (or perhaps: “Say whaaaaaat?” ;-) Used to express confusion, misunderstanding, like a mildly-irritated version of: “I beg your pardon?” And no, nothing to do with the hereafter-mentioned Sudanese book…]

Indeed, what is it, you may ask? Well, at least now I have some small idea, as I just finished reading the book of that title, by Dave Eggers. It is the bleak, depressing (yet strangely hopeful) story of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the “Lost Boys” who survived civil war and genocide in Sudan, eventually being taken in by the United States. Valentino’s site (I feel like I know him, now, and am on a first name basis ;-) has some interesting information on his Foundation (all proceeds from the book go to aiding Sudanese in America and Sudan), and more about the complex history and ongoing problems in Sudan.

His life is an example of survival against all odds (yes, an over-used expression, but absolutely true in his case); of optimism and faith in the face of the world’s sheer cruelty. Fortunately, there have been some happy moments, and some truly wonderful people in his life — without these, I hate to imagine how he would have kept going. I was amazed by his resiliency, his inspiring combination of “naïveté” and strength. I hope things started going better in his life after the conclusion of the book (it seems so — that he has travelled back to his hometown of Marial Bai, has contact with his parents who amazingly are still alive, is running his Foundation, speaking, educating and inspiring others). This is the kind of story that makes you feel fortunate to “only” have whatever little problems you’ve had in life, and inspires you to be a “good person”: to contribute light and hope into the world, rather than misunderstanding, fear and hatred.

Last week, as I was reading What Is the What, I heard that the Canadian government had earmarked another $48M to support African Union peacekeeping efforts in the Darfur region, where the hell continues today in spite of the 2005 peace agreement (which brought relative stability to some parts of Sudan).

The Canadian government has a Sudan site — there you can find out more about what Canada is doing in Sudan. Also, here is a backgrounder on Sudan, from the CBC.