Dave Eggers and Valentino Achak Deng

Studio 360

In 2000, Dave Eggers became the literary voice of his generation with the memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. But in his latest work, Eggers chose to channel a very different voice. What is the What tells a fictionalized version of the real life of Valentino Achak Deng, a young man who fled the Sudanese genocide. Kurt talks with Deng and Eggers about their collaboration.

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.