Review of A Dream For Peace

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esosa123
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Review of A Dream For Peace

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[Following is a volunteer review of "A Dream For Peace" by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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"A Dream for Peace," authored by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah, chronicles his life journey and experiences as he endeavours to secure Algeria's freedom and independence. Born into a French-colonized Algeria, he grew up in an environment heavily influenced by French culture, language, and religion. His foster mother prioritized his education, and upon completing primary school, he was awarded a scholarship to attend any university. Driven by a desire to study medicine, he embarked on this educational path at the University of Bordeaux.

To combat the discrimination faced by Algerians, he co-founded the North African Muslim Students Association. His academic and political involvement in Algeria's struggle for liberation increased the stress in his university life. As they formed groups advocating for Algerian independence, the stakes grew higher. Their decision to initiate a synchronized strike led to the police pursuing him and accusing him of instigating the strike. Fleeing with his first wife, Antoinette, they crossed the border without proper documentation and were subsequently imprisoned. Upon their release, he joined the ranks of freedom fighters, embarking on a remarkable journey that ultimately saw him appointed as President Houphouet-Boigny special counsellor.

One chapter that resonated with me emphasized the importance of treating each other with respect despite differences in beliefs. Dr. Berrah, a Muslim, married a Catholic woman, using this union as an exemplar. I commend the author for addressing the theme of peace in Africa in the epilogue, which I found truly fascinating. Additionally, I appreciated the inclusion of illustrations throughout the book, even though they weren't of the highest quality. They substantiate the authenticity of his accounts.

The incorporation of some untranslated French terms was a minor aspect I didn't particularly favour. Although this is a personal preference, I would have appreciated an introduction to the author's family, especially his sister.
I'm awarding this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars due to its impeccable editing, free from grammatical or typographical issues. My minor reservations don't detract from the overall rating. The book's engaging narrative style and effective communication with its audience are truly commendable. In closing, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those with an interest in African history. History students will find it especially valuable, but it's equally accessible and enlightening to a wider readership.

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A Dream For Peace
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