"What Is the What" is a novel by Dave Eggers that tells the story of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee. The book is a blend of autobiography and fiction, chronicling Valentino's experiences as one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan" during the Second Sudanese Civil War. It explores themes of displacement, survival, and the search for identity. The narrative follows Valentino's journey from his war-torn homeland to a refugee camp in Ethiopia and eventually to the United States. Through his story, the novel highlights the struggles faced by refugees and the impact of war on individuals and communities.