What Is the What writes: "Over the course of many years, Dave and I have collaborated to tell my story... I told [him] what I knew and what I could remember, and from that material he created this work of art." The book is typical of Eggers' style: blending non-fictional and fictional elements into a non-fiction novel or memoir. By classifying the book a novel, Eggers says, he freed himself to re-create conversations, streamline complex relationships, add relevant detail and manipulate time and space in helpful ways—all while maintaining the essential truthfulness of the storytelling. However, not all critics were impressed. Lee Siegel sees
Fear Is the Key force him to provide the necessary resources. Talbot has been working for the authorities all along and convinces Vyland and Royale that he is now ready to die on the ocean floor beside his family, eliciting a terror-stricken confession from the two men (their fear of death being the key that unlocks the confession) which is relayed to witnesses on the oil platform. Talbot then returns to the oil platform, where Vyland throws himself to his death from a ladder. Royale survives to be tried and sentenced to death and Talbot, politely turning down General Ruthven's offer of any reward