Review of A Dream For Peace

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 06 Feb 2022, 08:01

[Following is a volunteer review of "A Dream For Peace" by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah.]

4 out of 4 stars

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A Dream For Peace is a book that deserves a perfect rating. With all sincerity, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It's hard to see a nonfiction book of this length that keeps you glued till the very end. In addition, this book is professionally edited, well written, easy to read, and a great inspirational piece.

If you're looking to read this book, here's a summary of what to expect. In this nonfiction, Dr. Ghoulem Berrah narrates his story as a freedom fighter for Algeria. Born in Algeria, the author had a firsthand experience of what living in a colonized territory looked like; it was unpleasant. Algeria was colonized by France and had its identity taken away; this manifested in the educational curriculum where Algerians were taught French and not their own language. They were made to learn the history and geography of France, whereas they were told to read up their history on their own. Determined to make a change, the author decided to get a medical degree in France despite many obstacles, including an unwilling brother. Dr. Ghoulem Berrah does more than face his academics in school. He gets actively involved in politics and freedom fighting for the people of Algeria. This book speaks of the selfless struggle of a man who went to prison with his girlfriend, undertook covert operations, and put his life on the line for the sake of his country.

A Dream For Peace starts with a prologue by a fellow diplomat. From the prologue, I got to know that Dr. Ghoulem Berrah was a Muslim, and the diplomat who wrote the prologue was an "Apostolic Nuncio". Though of different religions, they seemed to work together for a common goal. I found this admirable because it's rare to see people put away religious biases. This showed that the author was focused, selfless, and very cooperative. Many other acts in this book speak volumes of the author's patriotism. He took risks and rejected benefits for the sake of his country. I found this sacrificial and worthy of emulation.

The writing style of this book is commendable. Because it talks about historic and diplomatic events, you would expect that this book would be difficult to follow. However, this was an easy-to-read book and a page-turner. I like that the author explained unfamiliar terms and detailed the events of his life and the country interestingly. This book mirrored the pains that Africans had to go through. An example would be when he was in a queue to receive awards; the recipient before him received a hug. However, during his turn, the presenter of the award did everything to avoid contact with his skin.

I barely found errors in this book; it was professionally edited. If there's anything I didn't really like, it would be the size and quality of the pictures. It would have been easier to see a bigger and clearer version of some of the pictures displayed. However, the details of this book were gotten in the 1900s, and I believe technology may not have been in the most advanced state at this time.

There are little pieces about religion in this book, but I believe this book is suitable for people of all religions. I recommend this book to people who have an interest in historical events. This is a nonfiction book, so nonfiction lovers will find this useful. Dr. Ghoulem Berrah inspired me with this piece. If you need the inspiration to be a better and more selfless leader, you will find this book useful.

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A Dream For Peace
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Soraya Bayah · Post by **Soraya Bayah** » 13 Feb 2022, 03:33

Your review piqued my interest in reading this book. I also felt great pride in seeing a book by a Muslim here on OBC. I will make sure to read it and learn more about Algeria and how the author remained selfless. Thank you for the extremely enjoyable and helpful review. I truly would not have picked this book if it were not for your review.

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 15 Feb 2022, 14:03

I'm amazed at how much the author had to go through to achieve things in life. He was persistent. Your review makes me want to read it again. Thanks!

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 25 Feb 2022, 03:17

thuriya albayaa wrote: ↑13 Feb 2022, 03:33 Your review piqued my interest in reading this book. I also felt great pride in seeing a book by a Muslim here on OBC. I will make sure to read it and learn more about Algeria and how the author remained selfless. Thank you for the extremely enjoyable and helpful review. I truly would not have picked this book if it were not for your review.

I'm glad my review had a positive impact. Thank you for your comment.

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 25 Feb 2022, 03:18

PeterRabitt20 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2022, 14:03 I'm amazed at how much the author had to go through to achieve things in life. He was persistent. Your review makes me want to read it again. Thanks!

My point too. He is inspiring. Thank you for your comment.

Unsullied · Post by **Unsullied** » 25 Feb 2022, 06:46

I just read this book and I now appreciate your approach and perspective towards it. Quite a detailed review.

Stizzy Monday · Post by **Stizzy Monday** » 04 Mar 2022, 07:55

Typical of what happened in the colonial era. Identities of these colonies were taken from them. I look forward to reading this book.

Lufuno Daphney · Post by **Lufuno Daphney** » 10 Mar 2022, 08:55

I'm sooh amazed by the author of this book ,he encourage most of people to never give up in life, I'm sooh inlove with the book

Fanny Lebura Ueh · Post by **Fanny Lebura Ueh** » 21 Jun 2022, 22:48

I totally enjoyed reading your review. This review has piqued my interest, and I look forward to reading this book and finding out more details for myself. Thank you for the honest feedback.
Latest

Kelvin Modilim · Post by **Kelvin Modilim** » 17 Jun 2023, 19:06

The author's meticulous research and compelling storytelling bring to life the voices and experiences of the Algerian people, capturing the resilience and determination in their fight for independence.