Review of A Dream For Peace
Posted: 03 Dec 2022, 12:14
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Dream For Peace" by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah.]
A Dream For Peace: An Ambassador's Memoir by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah is an account of the author's life detailing events and circumstances that shaped his life as an activist, scientist, and diplomat. Flipping through the book's pages intimates the reader with the author's doggedness, respect for the rights and freedom of others, and advocacy for peace. The author's resilience is evident in how he strived for academic excellence to overcome circumstances in his immediate environment that could have made him turn out a nonentity. Witnessing the plights of fellow Algerians in the hands of French colonialists while growing up steered him toward the path of activism. His involvement extended beyond Algeria, the nation of his birth. He was inspired to fight for the rights of non-Algerians by respect for the sanctity of life.
The zeal accompanying his activism ushered him into new realms, climes, careers, and friendships. As he gave himself in the service of others, the universe kept conspiring to open his paths to greater opportunities that would shape his later years.
The book is replete with lessons that a reader can learn from the author's life, especially in love, selflessness, empathy, and brotherhood. The author endured hardships, much like the majority of freedom activists. He was once imprisoned even though no charges had been filed against him. He had to forgo his studies as a medical student. He even took up arms in Morocco after dropping out of medical school to fight colonialists. Because there is a time for everything, the author returned to school in the United States. During his stint in the United States, he achieved a feat that wrote his name in history books. He became the pioneer scientist to propose a theory for the "Reverse Transcriptase Enzyme." He later became a professor at the Yale School of Medicine. Still passionate about the African continent's total emancipation, he left academia and returned to Africa – this time, to Cote D'Ivoire.
Working for President Felix Houphouet afforded him the rare opportunity to play significant roles in advancing peace in Africa and beyond. President Felix Houphouet's efforts to advance world peace are shown in part by the account of the author's diplomatic career in Cote D'Ivoire. The reader will understand why the former Ivorian President earned the name "Sage of Africa."
This book covers more than just the author's life. This book gives further insight into Africa regarding colonialism, peace, and the ultimate sacrifices made by some heroes. Additionally, it sheds light on the issues that triggered the Amgala War between Morocco and Algeria.
The author's in-depth narration was what I admired most about this book. How he recounted events that took place 50 years before writing the book amused me. I am sure the author was good at journaling. Reading the book was made easier by the images that accompany some pages.
Reading A Dream For Peace: An Ambassador's Memoir has given me a better perspective on some aspects of Africa's history. The editing was thorough. I didn't spot any errors. It is only fair that I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
I will recommend this book to lovers of memoirs. People who like reading about African history will also enjoy it.
******
A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A Dream For Peace: An Ambassador's Memoir by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah is an account of the author's life detailing events and circumstances that shaped his life as an activist, scientist, and diplomat. Flipping through the book's pages intimates the reader with the author's doggedness, respect for the rights and freedom of others, and advocacy for peace. The author's resilience is evident in how he strived for academic excellence to overcome circumstances in his immediate environment that could have made him turn out a nonentity. Witnessing the plights of fellow Algerians in the hands of French colonialists while growing up steered him toward the path of activism. His involvement extended beyond Algeria, the nation of his birth. He was inspired to fight for the rights of non-Algerians by respect for the sanctity of life.
The zeal accompanying his activism ushered him into new realms, climes, careers, and friendships. As he gave himself in the service of others, the universe kept conspiring to open his paths to greater opportunities that would shape his later years.
The book is replete with lessons that a reader can learn from the author's life, especially in love, selflessness, empathy, and brotherhood. The author endured hardships, much like the majority of freedom activists. He was once imprisoned even though no charges had been filed against him. He had to forgo his studies as a medical student. He even took up arms in Morocco after dropping out of medical school to fight colonialists. Because there is a time for everything, the author returned to school in the United States. During his stint in the United States, he achieved a feat that wrote his name in history books. He became the pioneer scientist to propose a theory for the "Reverse Transcriptase Enzyme." He later became a professor at the Yale School of Medicine. Still passionate about the African continent's total emancipation, he left academia and returned to Africa – this time, to Cote D'Ivoire.
Working for President Felix Houphouet afforded him the rare opportunity to play significant roles in advancing peace in Africa and beyond. President Felix Houphouet's efforts to advance world peace are shown in part by the account of the author's diplomatic career in Cote D'Ivoire. The reader will understand why the former Ivorian President earned the name "Sage of Africa."
This book covers more than just the author's life. This book gives further insight into Africa regarding colonialism, peace, and the ultimate sacrifices made by some heroes. Additionally, it sheds light on the issues that triggered the Amgala War between Morocco and Algeria.
The author's in-depth narration was what I admired most about this book. How he recounted events that took place 50 years before writing the book amused me. I am sure the author was good at journaling. Reading the book was made easier by the images that accompany some pages.
Reading A Dream For Peace: An Ambassador's Memoir has given me a better perspective on some aspects of Africa's history. The editing was thorough. I didn't spot any errors. It is only fair that I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
I will recommend this book to lovers of memoirs. People who like reading about African history will also enjoy it.
******
A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
