Review of A Dream For Peace
Posted: 13 Aug 2022, 12:58
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Dream For Peace" by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah.]
Dr. Ghoulem Berrah's memoir, "A Dream for Peace," is based on his real-life experiences; it chronicles his life's journey as he struggles for Algeria's freedom and independence. At the time of his birth, Algeria was a French colony, and French culture, language, and religion predominated there. He was raised in Ain Beida by his mother, who fostered him and placed a high value on his education. He receives a scholarship to attend any university after finishing elementary school, and he chooses the University of Bordeaux to study medicine. He gathers his fellow Algerians who are also subject to discrimination, and together they create the North African Muslim Students Association. His life at the university becomes hectic as he is faced with his studies and political activities for the liberation of Algeria. His work spreads as they form groups for the independence of Algeria. At the same time, they decide to embark on a strike, which makes the police chase after him, calling him the perpetrator of the strike. At night, he runs off to another place with Antoinette, who later became his first wife. They are being locked up in prison for crossing the border without documents. When they are released, he joins the freedom fighters as they train themselves in the camp; this is where his main journey begins. He becomes recognized as a doctor and travels far and near, down to the time when he becomes a special counselor to President Houphouet-Boigny. A lot of this man's story is revealed in the book.
There are so many things I love about this book. I admire the love that is shared among the clairvoyants; his fellow brothers, whom he met at the university. When Ghoulem is arrested by the police, they provide support for him. I also love the chapter titled "Our common faith". That chapter shows that despite our different religions, we should not discriminate against each other, but rather there should be love. The author shows an example by marrying a Catholic woman despite the fact that he's a Muslim. I won't fail to commend the author's epilogue, where he talked about peace in Africa. I must say, it got me intrigued. The inclusion of pictures in the book is something else I liked. Though the pictures aren't too clear, they prove the authenticity of his stories.
The descriptive technique used is captivating; it brings even the tiniest thing to one's understanding. The language used is very simple too; I couldn't ask for a more understanding one. I didn't come across any grammatical or typographical errors, so I can say the editing was professionally done.
The only thing I disliked about the book is the inclusion of some French words I didn't understand. I also didn't like that the author didn't take us back to his family later, especially his sister, although this is personal. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I didn't find any errors or typos, and my little dissatisfaction won't prevent me from giving it the above rate. I admire its ability to convey its message to the audience.
Finally, I recommend this book to people who are interested in the history of Africa. It'll also be good for history students. Aside from those, any other person can read the book too. It is inspiring and educating.
******
A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Dr. Ghoulem Berrah's memoir, "A Dream for Peace," is based on his real-life experiences; it chronicles his life's journey as he struggles for Algeria's freedom and independence. At the time of his birth, Algeria was a French colony, and French culture, language, and religion predominated there. He was raised in Ain Beida by his mother, who fostered him and placed a high value on his education. He receives a scholarship to attend any university after finishing elementary school, and he chooses the University of Bordeaux to study medicine. He gathers his fellow Algerians who are also subject to discrimination, and together they create the North African Muslim Students Association. His life at the university becomes hectic as he is faced with his studies and political activities for the liberation of Algeria. His work spreads as they form groups for the independence of Algeria. At the same time, they decide to embark on a strike, which makes the police chase after him, calling him the perpetrator of the strike. At night, he runs off to another place with Antoinette, who later became his first wife. They are being locked up in prison for crossing the border without documents. When they are released, he joins the freedom fighters as they train themselves in the camp; this is where his main journey begins. He becomes recognized as a doctor and travels far and near, down to the time when he becomes a special counselor to President Houphouet-Boigny. A lot of this man's story is revealed in the book.
There are so many things I love about this book. I admire the love that is shared among the clairvoyants; his fellow brothers, whom he met at the university. When Ghoulem is arrested by the police, they provide support for him. I also love the chapter titled "Our common faith". That chapter shows that despite our different religions, we should not discriminate against each other, but rather there should be love. The author shows an example by marrying a Catholic woman despite the fact that he's a Muslim. I won't fail to commend the author's epilogue, where he talked about peace in Africa. I must say, it got me intrigued. The inclusion of pictures in the book is something else I liked. Though the pictures aren't too clear, they prove the authenticity of his stories.
The descriptive technique used is captivating; it brings even the tiniest thing to one's understanding. The language used is very simple too; I couldn't ask for a more understanding one. I didn't come across any grammatical or typographical errors, so I can say the editing was professionally done.
The only thing I disliked about the book is the inclusion of some French words I didn't understand. I also didn't like that the author didn't take us back to his family later, especially his sister, although this is personal. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I didn't find any errors or typos, and my little dissatisfaction won't prevent me from giving it the above rate. I admire its ability to convey its message to the audience.
Finally, I recommend this book to people who are interested in the history of Africa. It'll also be good for history students. Aside from those, any other person can read the book too. It is inspiring and educating.
******
A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
was well written and reviewed I will recommend it 