Linda Sue Park’s novel, A Long Walk to Water, published in 2010, is a short but powerful narrative that intertwines two stories from different times and perspectives in South Sudan. The book has captivated readers worldwide, both for its gripping storytelling and its poignant message about survival, resilience, and hope. By blending the true story of Salva Dut, a young boy displaced during the Second Sudanese Civil War in 1985, with the fictional account of Nya, a girl from a village in 2008, Park creates a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also educates readers about the harsh realities faced by millions in war-torn regions.
The Story of Salva Dut: A Journey of Survival and Resilience
Salva Dut, a member of the Dinka tribe, was just eleven years old when he was separated from his family during the chaos of the Second Sudanese Civil War in 1985. The war, which lasted from 1983 to 2005, was one of the longest and deadliest civil wars in history, leading to the displacement of over four million people and the deaths of an estimated two million. Salva’s story, which is central to A Long Walk to Water, is one of these many stories of survival against unimaginable odds.
After being forced to flee his village due to an attack, Salva embarked on a perilous journey, walking for weeks on end with little more than the hope that he would one day find his family. The journey was fraught with danger—from avoiding rebel soldiers and wild animals like lions, to the constant struggle for basic necessities like food and water. Along the way, Salva joined a group of 1,500 boys, known as the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” who were also fleeing the violence. Together, they traveled hundreds of miles on foot, crossing the unforgiving landscape of Sudan in search of safety.
One of the most harrowing moments in Salva’s journey was crossing the Gilo River, a treacherous and fast-moving body of water that many did not survive. Despite the dangers, Salva persevered, eventually reaching a refugee camp in Ethiopia. His journey did not end there, however. After years in the camp, he was forced to flee again when the Ethiopian government collapsed, leading him on another long and dangerous trek to safety. Ultimately, Salva was one of the few lucky ones to be selected for resettlement in the United States, where he would begin a new chapter of his life.
Nya’s Story: The Daily Struggle for Water
While Salva’s story is one of survival amidst war, Nya’s narrative, set in 2008, highlights the ongoing struggle for basic resources in South Sudan, even in times of relative peace. Nya, an eleven-year-old girl from the Nuer tribe, spends hours each day walking to and from a distant pond to collect water for her family. This journey, which takes up to eight hours, is physically exhausting and dangerous, but it is necessary for her family’s survival.
Nya’s story is a fictional account, but it is based on the real experiences of millions of people in rural South Sudan, where access to clean water is a constant challenge. The water that Nya collects is often contaminated, leading to illness within her family, including her younger sister, Akeer. The struggle for clean water is a central theme in Nya’s story, highlighting the harsh realities faced by those living in impoverished and remote areas.
However, Nya’s story also carries a message of hope. In 2009, a well is drilled in her village, transforming the lives of Nya and her family. The well not only provides them with clean, safe water but also frees Nya from the daily burden of walking long distances. This small but significant change symbolizes the potential for progress and improvement in the lives of people in South Sudan, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
The Intersection of Two Lives: A Long Walk to Water
The genius of A Long Walk to Water lies in the way Linda Sue Park weaves together the stories of Salva and Nya, two characters separated by time and circumstance but united by their shared struggle for survival. While Salva’s story is one of endurance in the face of war, Nya’s is a story of resilience in the face of daily hardship. Both narratives highlight the importance of water—not just as a physical necessity but as a symbol of life, hope, and the potential for change.
As the novel progresses, the connection between Salva and Nya becomes clear. After resettling in the United States, Salva learns about the ongoing water crisis in his homeland and is inspired to take action. In 2003, he founded Water for South Sudan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to drilling wells in remote villages like Nya’s. Through his work, Salva returns to his homeland, bringing hope and clean water to thousands of people. In the book, the well that is drilled in Nya’s village is one of the wells provided by Salva’s organization, bringing the two stories full circle.
A Platform for Change: A Long Walk to Water
Beyond its literary merits, A Long Walk to Water serves as a platform for raising awareness about the ongoing struggles in South Sudan and the vital importance of clean water. Through the character of Salva Dut, readers are introduced to the real-world impact of the Second Sudanese Civil War and the ongoing challenges faced by those who survived it. The book also sheds light on the water crisis in South Sudan, a crisis that continues to affect millions of people today.
Linda Sue Park has used the success of A Long Walk to Water to support Salva Dut’s organization, Water for South Sudan. The book has inspired countless readers to get involved, raising funds and awareness for the organization’s mission. Through this partnership, A Long Walk to Water has had a tangible impact on the lives of people in South Sudan, providing clean water to communities in need and offering hope for a better future.
Conclusion: A Story of Hope and Resilience
A Long Walk to Water is more than just a novel; it is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact that one person can have on the lives of others. Through the stories of Salva and Nya, Linda Sue Park not only tells a compelling tale but also brings attention to critical global issues like war, displacement, and the need for clean water. The book serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
In a world where many people take access to clean water for granted, A Long Walk to Water is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by millions in regions like South Sudan. It is a call to action for readers to not only appreciate what they have but also to contribute to making the world a better place for those in need. Through its powerful storytelling and real-world impact, A Long Walk to Water has become a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and educate readers of all ages.
