While this is based on a true story (Salva's storyline), it is still categorized as historical fiction. There are two timelines, both fairly contemporary. Salva's starts in 1985 and moves through the years until 2009. Nya's storyline starts in 2008 and moves slowly to 2009. Every chapter starts with a short "Nya" snapshot, then moves into Salva's story, which is the meat of the book. In print, Nya's story is printed in a different color, and there are headings, which list the location and date, the POV is not indicated, but isn't hard to figure out (it just shifts between Nya and Salva). In audio, there were two different narrators, female and male. There was also some music (not sure how I felt about the music ... on one hand it did add to the ambience a bit, but music in audiobooks generally annoys me. At times it sounded like a the alert/ringer on a phone, and that would distract me out of the story). In print, there were also symbols ... I'm thinking these were tied to the two tribes?

Both POVs were told in 3rd person, past tense.

Both storylines, while not present day, aren't that far in the past. I have heard (a very little) about the Lost Boys of the Sudan, and about starvation and water issues in Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda. There are SO many stories about the genocide of the Jews during WW2, the "never again" thoughts ... yet, it happens again. Families separated, being forced to flee, the deaths.  This was informative and interesting. It just didn't have that little something to bump it to a 5* read for me. No profound quotes to save. Some discussion topics. Yes, one I'd recommend. Probably not one I'll re-read or buy for my personal library.

I did absolutely appreciate the "Message from Salva Dut" at the end ... and in audio, he narrated that portion. THANK YOU! It makes it SO much more personal! There were some Author's notes too, I believe read by the author. I'm glad they were included in the audio as well. I like to have the Kindle copy for reference, and here, I noticed an addendum added in 2015, after the audio was recorded (2013), which was especially interesting! Mentioning how the popularity of the book, especially in schools, has lead to more fundraising, and more wells for water.