Lynnette Durham

Professor Duarte
Global Health
November 22, 2022
Group Discussion: A Long Walk to Water
Note: This group was not cohesive, did not keep in contact with each other, and did not convene
nor work on and discuss this book by any means. Therefore, I am answering these questions on
my own and sharing my thoughts in response.
1. What does title “A long walk to water” mean to you? What are some of the descriptions
of water in this book that stand out to you?

2. How does (lack of) access to water affect the lives of people in the book? What are some
examples?

3. What is the conflict between the Dinka & Nuer people about? What are some ways this
conflict plays out in the book?

4. One challenge that people in the book face is whether to share their resources or reserve
those resources for themselves in times of crisis. What is an example of someone having to
make this decision in the book? Are there examples around you of these choices?

5. What is Salva’s experience like in the refugee camps? How is this similar or different
from other things you’ve read about refugee camps?

6. How are is Salva’s walk to Kenya similar or different from his walk to Ethiopia? How
does his role in the group change?

7. What stands out to you about Salva’s adjustment to New York? How is his experience
similar or different from your experience living in/near New York?