Eggers’s influence on Valentino’s story is apparent. Like Eggers’s memoir, Valentino’s biography doesn’t fall prey to happy endings or climactic catharsis. It’s a snapshot of a life that will continue to face trauma and injustice, and in spite of this is determined to figure out how to survive with some tangible peace and dignity. The common humanity and continuing journey of author and subject make Valentino’s first-person account feel vital and tough to shake.
Dave Eggers reads from What Is the What with Valentino Achak Deng | to benefit the Telling Room | 7 pm, February 25 | Hannaford Lecture Hall, Abromson Center, USM, Portland | $10, available at Longfellow Books or SPACE Gallery | 207.772.4045
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Christopher Gray: cgray@phx.com
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