Review of A Dream For Peace
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Frank Mutuma
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Review of A Dream For Peace
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Dream For Peace" by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah.]
A Dream for Peace is a meticulously written memoir of one of the most accomplished diplomats by the name of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah. Throughout my reading, I could not help but wonder why I haven't heard a lot about such an individual who has contributed so much towards world peace and moreso to Africa and the Middle East. The memoir is surely a must-read.
Dr. Berrah was born and raised in Algeria during a difficult period of colonisation and the subsequent struggle for independence. Being a very bright fellow, he passes his exams very well and proceeds to France to get his medical degree. His busy schedule at medical school does not prevent him from being an activist and supporting his Algerian comrades. This puts him at odds with French authorities. This forces him to put his studies on hold to escape.
Dr. Berra has had such an interesting life that one cannot help but think of him as having superhuman abilities. To start with, he is a revolutionary, helping not only his native Algeria to fight for independence but also other countries like Morocco. He is an accomplished scientist, having graduated from the University of Indiana and taught at Yale University. Later on, he serves as a diplomat and ambassador in Cote d'Ivoire under his dear friend President Houphout-Boigny, where he distinguishes himself in diplomatic circles. His commitment to peace and helping the downtrodden is beyond doubt.
I would like to applaud the editors of the book for a job well done, as I only found minimal errors. One of the things I loved about the book is how tolerance is at the center of everything. Dr. Berrah is a living testimony that people of all walks of life can live in harmony. Despite him being a Muslim, he is married to a devout Catholic. His friend, the president, is also a Catholic. Dr. Berra also intervenes with the Vatican for the pope to travel to Côte d'Ivoire to consecrate the newly built basilica. To the bewilderment of many, he also arranges for all the imams to attend the ceremony. In a world today where people are increasingly intolerant and terrorism is on the rise, we can learn a great deal from the demeanor and person of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah. I also loved the vocabulary used in the book as it was easy to understand. The book is also systematically organized from his early life to his education and career, leaving no room for confusion.
There is nothing to dislike about the book. Sometimes memoirs can be wary, but not this one. The only concern is the French names in the book that readers not familiar with the language might find a little disruptive.
I would rate the book 4 out of 4 stars as it is well narrated, edited, and very educative. I recommend the book to pan-Africanists, diplomats, and anyone interested in pre- and post-colonial development in Africa.
******
A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A Dream for Peace is a meticulously written memoir of one of the most accomplished diplomats by the name of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah. Throughout my reading, I could not help but wonder why I haven't heard a lot about such an individual who has contributed so much towards world peace and moreso to Africa and the Middle East. The memoir is surely a must-read.
Dr. Berrah was born and raised in Algeria during a difficult period of colonisation and the subsequent struggle for independence. Being a very bright fellow, he passes his exams very well and proceeds to France to get his medical degree. His busy schedule at medical school does not prevent him from being an activist and supporting his Algerian comrades. This puts him at odds with French authorities. This forces him to put his studies on hold to escape.
Dr. Berra has had such an interesting life that one cannot help but think of him as having superhuman abilities. To start with, he is a revolutionary, helping not only his native Algeria to fight for independence but also other countries like Morocco. He is an accomplished scientist, having graduated from the University of Indiana and taught at Yale University. Later on, he serves as a diplomat and ambassador in Cote d'Ivoire under his dear friend President Houphout-Boigny, where he distinguishes himself in diplomatic circles. His commitment to peace and helping the downtrodden is beyond doubt.
I would like to applaud the editors of the book for a job well done, as I only found minimal errors. One of the things I loved about the book is how tolerance is at the center of everything. Dr. Berrah is a living testimony that people of all walks of life can live in harmony. Despite him being a Muslim, he is married to a devout Catholic. His friend, the president, is also a Catholic. Dr. Berra also intervenes with the Vatican for the pope to travel to Côte d'Ivoire to consecrate the newly built basilica. To the bewilderment of many, he also arranges for all the imams to attend the ceremony. In a world today where people are increasingly intolerant and terrorism is on the rise, we can learn a great deal from the demeanor and person of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah. I also loved the vocabulary used in the book as it was easy to understand. The book is also systematically organized from his early life to his education and career, leaving no room for confusion.
There is nothing to dislike about the book. Sometimes memoirs can be wary, but not this one. The only concern is the French names in the book that readers not familiar with the language might find a little disruptive.
I would rate the book 4 out of 4 stars as it is well narrated, edited, and very educative. I recommend the book to pan-Africanists, diplomats, and anyone interested in pre- and post-colonial development in Africa.
******
A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute by Jeff Meyer
