Review of A Dream For Peace

Richard Ukim · Post by **Richard Ukim** » 09 Mar 2022, 19:56

[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 memoir celebrating the life and experiences of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah. Dr. Berrah was born in Aïn Beïda of Algeria. He was the only son of an affectionate mother. While studying in France, he became a political activist, increasingly spearheading agitation against colonial rule in his homeland. During his stay in Morocco, he teamed up with like-minded and spirited comrades to solidify plans for the Algerian Revolution. He and his countrymen were unwavering in their stance as they forcefully secured sought-after Algerian independence. Subsequently, he received a "higher call" to abandon everything else, including his career as a scientist to serve the interests of his motherland. Dr. Berrah found purpose and a sense of fulfillment in his work as a special adviser under President Houphouët-Boigny of Cote D'Ivoire.

One thing I find astounding about this book is the vividness in the narration and description. The author does well to tell his story in a very clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for ambiguities. This could perhaps show the author did not face as much hassle in recalling memories throughout the course of writing this book. A Dream For Peace is not just a memoir. The author goes beyond himself to discuss some momentous historical events and their diverse impact around the world. On a surface level, enduring conflict like the Isreali-Palestinianian crises would be of no concern to Africa. This is rather untrue. The author dexterously shows how such a crisis could have a contagion effect on the rest of the world. He shows Africa's timely involvement via President Houphouët-Boigny.

I didn't find anything to dislike about this book. However, it is though-provoking indeed, to see that the author chose to abandon his flourishing and enviable career to relocate to Africa and serve in the office of special adviser. This remarkably portraits purpose and clarity of mind in one's career path. This isn't surprising, however. Over time, Dr. Berrah did reiterate his devotion to Africa and the call to serve her in some capacity. It would raise eyebrows to see the author, an Algerian, committing himself to serve in a country that was alien to him—as a special adviser to President Houphouët-Boigny. One would have somewhat expected a return to his roots in Algeria.

This book is professionally written with just one grammatical error spotted. I rate it a four out of four stars. It's a book about the life of an accomplished diplomat. However, it's also a source of relevant historic incidents from the nineties. Themes present in this book include colonialism, racism, religion, and diplomacy.

A Dream For Peace would be invaluable to history students, so I recommend this book to them. Also, those with a sublime taste in history, especially as it revolves around Africa, will find this book intriguing and enriching as well.

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A Dream For Peace
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Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 17 Mar 2022, 03:01

I like how the review points to a person who abandoned all to serve a higher purpose. The review is fascinating.

Richard Ukim · Post by **Richard Ukim** » 17 Mar 2022, 06:05

Kibetious wrote: ↑17 Mar 2022, 03:01 I like how the review points to a person who abandoned all to serve a higher purpose. The review is fascinating.

Thanks for the comment. I appreciate

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 17 Mar 2022, 12:29

I have read several different reviews of this book and this is the first to comment on the historical data contained in it. Dr. Berrah certainly led an interesting life. Thanks for the review!

Richard Ukim · Post by **Richard Ukim** » 17 Mar 2022, 15:10

Amy Luman wrote: ↑17 Mar 2022, 12:29 I have read several different reviews of this book and this is the first to comment on the historical data contained in it. Dr. Berrah certainly led an interesting life. Thanks for the review!

Yes, there's some historical narratives in it too. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate.

Victor Jerry I · Post by **Victor Jerry I** » 19 Mar 2022, 01:58

Dr. Ghoulem Seems to be an exceptional man with lots of positive accomplishment. He didn’t let his past determine his future even after loosing his brothers. Thanks for this awesome review. I am motivated

Richard Ukim · Post by **Richard Ukim** » 19 Mar 2022, 03:01

Viczboy16 wrote: ↑19 Mar 2022, 01:58 Dr. Ghoulem Seems to be an exceptional man with lots of positive accomplishment. He didn’t let his past determine his future even after loosing his brothers. Thanks for this awesome review. I am motivated

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate

Whosmarn61 · Post by **Whosmarn61** » 19 Mar 2022, 16:26

I am a lover of history, especially African history. I also would like to know more about colonialism and the struggle for freedom. I like that Dr. Berrah left a flourishing and enviable career to come to Africa and serve. Thanks for this review.

Richard Ukim · Post by **Richard Ukim** » 19 Mar 2022, 16:37

Whosmarn61 wrote: ↑19 Mar 2022, 16:26 I am a lover of history, especially African history. I also would like to know more about colonialism and the struggle for freedom. I like that Dr. Berrah left a flourishing and enviable career to come to Africa and serve. Thanks for this review.

Thanks, I appreciate

Prince Ekeoma · Post by **Prince Ekeoma** » 04 Oct 2022, 03:26

Interesting review and easy to understand Dr. Ghoulem has that positive mindset and his been exceptional. His past never determine his future after loosing much.