Review of A Dream For Peace
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Nasir Shaikh
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- Latest Review: A Dream For Peace by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
Review of A Dream For Peace
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Dream For Peace" by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah.]
"A Dream for Peace" by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah is a memoir of an Algerian activist, diplomat, and microbiologist who envisions an independent and prosperous future for Algeria and the entire African continent. The book is set during the era of African colonization by countries like France, Spain, and Britain, with a particular focus on French colonization in Algeria.
The story commences with the introduction of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah, providing details about his residence and lifestyle. The narrative then delves into his experiences during anti-colonial protests and wars, extending beyond Algeria to neighboring countries like Morocco and Tunisia. The depiction of the harsh realities of their struggle evokes thoughts of contemporary conflicts, like the Israel-Palestine war, vividly portraying the endured hardships, such as surgical procedures without anesthesia, reminiscent of the challenges faced in Palestine today.
As the book progresses, it delves into Dr. Ghoulem's scientific achievements and his experiments involving DNA. The narrative includes detailed documentation of these experiments, providing readers with insight into his scientific work. The book then returns to the broader themes of Africa's struggle for independence and the ongoing crisis in Israel and Palestine.
During Dr. Ghoulem Berrah's time in Cote d'Ivoire, he developed a strong bond with the country's president. The narrative now shifts to a particularly engaging section on the relationship between Dr. Ghoulem and Titi. However, a poignant and emotional twist occurs in the story, which I won't reveal to avoid spoilers.
The book revisits the Israel-Palestine issue, dedicating a whole chapter. It portrays his struggle and highlights the potential for the current situation to evolve into a profound trauma, reminiscent of the Jewish experience during the Nazi era. The narrative draws a parallel, suggesting that history seems to be repeating itself, with the survivors of past oppression now occupying the role of oppressors.
Dr. Ghoulem deeply loved Africa, valuing it above everything else. Despite being Algerian and Arab, he stated that if he had to label himself, he would choose to be called an African above all other identities.
In the book's conclusion, Dr. Ghoulem envisions the development of Algeria and Africa as a whole, acknowledging the post-independent struggles of the continent. He emphasizes the importance of dialogue and shares eye-opening thoughts on the Israel-Palestine issue. Dr. Ghoulem questions the stance of groups like Hamas and warns about the consequences of turning a blind eye to injustice, expressing concerns about the ongoing annexation of Palestine by Israel with a line like "witnessing an unprecedented annexation of Palestine by Israel today, and tomorrow perhaps, the whole of Palestine, all because we have failed to speak the truth to our friends by turning a blind eye to injustice."
The book's extensive and informative content captivated me, making it difficult to stop discussing it. The title was fitting, and while the cover was somewhat lacking, it didn't diminish the impact of the exceptional content within. Despite a few minor and major errors in writing, anticipated in such a lengthy work, I deducted a point from my rating. One standout feature of the book was the inclusion of quotes before each chapter. Additionally, the well-chosen images throughout the book, depicting joyful smiles, had a contagious effect, bringing a smile to my face as I moved through the sections.
In conclusion, the book proved exceptionally captivating and informative, immersing me in the story as if I were witnessing the African struggle for peace first-hand. The pacing, while somewhat lengthy, felt justified by the richness of the narrative. The writing quality was okay, although it had some noticeable errors. The book is one of the most beautiful reads I've encountered. However, due to some noticeable errors, I'm awarding it 4 out of 5 stars, or else it truly deserves a full star.
******
A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"A Dream for Peace" by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah is a memoir of an Algerian activist, diplomat, and microbiologist who envisions an independent and prosperous future for Algeria and the entire African continent. The book is set during the era of African colonization by countries like France, Spain, and Britain, with a particular focus on French colonization in Algeria.
The story commences with the introduction of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah, providing details about his residence and lifestyle. The narrative then delves into his experiences during anti-colonial protests and wars, extending beyond Algeria to neighboring countries like Morocco and Tunisia. The depiction of the harsh realities of their struggle evokes thoughts of contemporary conflicts, like the Israel-Palestine war, vividly portraying the endured hardships, such as surgical procedures without anesthesia, reminiscent of the challenges faced in Palestine today.
As the book progresses, it delves into Dr. Ghoulem's scientific achievements and his experiments involving DNA. The narrative includes detailed documentation of these experiments, providing readers with insight into his scientific work. The book then returns to the broader themes of Africa's struggle for independence and the ongoing crisis in Israel and Palestine.
During Dr. Ghoulem Berrah's time in Cote d'Ivoire, he developed a strong bond with the country's president. The narrative now shifts to a particularly engaging section on the relationship between Dr. Ghoulem and Titi. However, a poignant and emotional twist occurs in the story, which I won't reveal to avoid spoilers.
The book revisits the Israel-Palestine issue, dedicating a whole chapter. It portrays his struggle and highlights the potential for the current situation to evolve into a profound trauma, reminiscent of the Jewish experience during the Nazi era. The narrative draws a parallel, suggesting that history seems to be repeating itself, with the survivors of past oppression now occupying the role of oppressors.
Dr. Ghoulem deeply loved Africa, valuing it above everything else. Despite being Algerian and Arab, he stated that if he had to label himself, he would choose to be called an African above all other identities.
In the book's conclusion, Dr. Ghoulem envisions the development of Algeria and Africa as a whole, acknowledging the post-independent struggles of the continent. He emphasizes the importance of dialogue and shares eye-opening thoughts on the Israel-Palestine issue. Dr. Ghoulem questions the stance of groups like Hamas and warns about the consequences of turning a blind eye to injustice, expressing concerns about the ongoing annexation of Palestine by Israel with a line like "witnessing an unprecedented annexation of Palestine by Israel today, and tomorrow perhaps, the whole of Palestine, all because we have failed to speak the truth to our friends by turning a blind eye to injustice."
The book's extensive and informative content captivated me, making it difficult to stop discussing it. The title was fitting, and while the cover was somewhat lacking, it didn't diminish the impact of the exceptional content within. Despite a few minor and major errors in writing, anticipated in such a lengthy work, I deducted a point from my rating. One standout feature of the book was the inclusion of quotes before each chapter. Additionally, the well-chosen images throughout the book, depicting joyful smiles, had a contagious effect, bringing a smile to my face as I moved through the sections.
In conclusion, the book proved exceptionally captivating and informative, immersing me in the story as if I were witnessing the African struggle for peace first-hand. The pacing, while somewhat lengthy, felt justified by the richness of the narrative. The writing quality was okay, although it had some noticeable errors. The book is one of the most beautiful reads I've encountered. However, due to some noticeable errors, I'm awarding it 4 out of 5 stars, or else it truly deserves a full star.
******
A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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Latest Review: A Dream For Peace by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
