A Long Walk to Water Book Review (Chapters 1-10)

Study Notes

Setting

Takes place in Southern Sudan, Africa, during 1985, amidst the civil war.

Internal Conflict

Salva experiences emotional turmoil after losing his parents, creating a persistent distraction as he hopes to reunite with them.

External Conflict

Salva, his uncle, and their village face dire challenges, lacking access to clean drinking water and exposure to violence.

Main Characters

Key figures in the narrative include Salva and Nya, both symbolizing resilience.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around the struggle for drinking water, highlighting Salva's separation from his parents during violence. Nya dedicates significant time to collecting water for her family, reflecting the harsh realities of survival; she makes two trips a day, totaling eight hours for each round trip.

Major Events

Salva’s uncle is shot, adding to the tension and fear. Salva meets Marial, a boy of his age, which provides him with friendship amidst loneliness.

Importance of Major Events

The shooting of Salva's uncle instills fear of further loss for Salva, while the connection with Marial alleviates his loneliness, emphasizing the importance of companionship in adversity.

Characteristics of Sudanese Tribes

Dinka Tribe: Known for "scarification," a high-calorie diet, height, livestock raising, and being the largest ethnic group in Sudan.
Atuot Tribe: Identified by mud/clay faces with white markings, known as "lion people" and speak Nilotic languages.
Jur-Chol Tribe: Referred to as "luwo" people; they speak the Jur language and are part of the Nilotic group in western Sudan.
Nuer Tribe: Primarily pastoralists, they herd cattle, known as "nath," and are the second-largest ethnic group in Sudan.

Historical Context

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the civil war, explaining the socio-political unrest that affects the characters' lives.

Dinka Religion

The Dinka are monotheistic, believing in a singular god named "Nhialic," which shapes their spiritual and cultural practices.

Connections Between Characters

Characters are linked by their geographical setting and shared struggles, particularly concerning water access; both Salva and Nya belong to the same tribe, showcasing interconnectedness among their experiences.

Description

Test your knowledge of 'A Long Walk to Water' by exploring its important themes and conflicts in the first ten chapters. This flashcard quiz provides insights into the setting, internal, and external conflicts faced by the characters. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the book.