Review of A Dream For Peace

Judith Chepkombet · Post by **Judith Chepkombet** » 20 Jul 2022, 10:36

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Is it true that Africa was a " dark " continent as perceived by the colonists? Reading A Dream For Peace by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah, had my spirit inspired to delve in and unravel the quest for the author to write this book. The book narrated, a life oddysey of a dignitarian, great leadership, liberation, as well the culture of the people, within its setting. The humble Algerian son, was born and raised, during the French colonial-rule era. Having experienced the first-hand harsh subjugation, and limited freedom, Berrah was determined from an early age, to struggle for the extrication of his people, from the shackles of the colonial rule.

Life has a way of shaping a great leader, albeit through the hard way. Berrah secured a scholarship, to study for medicine in France. The elite group of African students abroad at the time, had formed unions to pressure, the abolition of the French colonial administration. The author's passion and thirst for freedom, gained more dynamism, as he joined the unions.These formed unions, had the sole mandate, to unite the African students abroad, with a common agenda, to organize and execute plans, to resist colonial rule, and prejudices,against their people back home. However, the question is, would they succeed in their endeavour for freedom?.

Dr. Berrah went through harassment, and even risked imprisonment, by the French colonial government. Even when push came to shove, Dr. Berrah developed some muscles, to fight on relentlessly. I liked the resilience and fortitude, that he exuded all along. He adamantly maintained the fighting spirit, amidst the colonialist's threats. I admired his quest and idealism, to unite his people across all religions.This he shocased, by effortlessly creating rapport, between the people, across the diverse religious groups in his country. He united them, to a point of encouraging and supporting, the building of a church and a mosque, on the same ground, and leading the inauguration of both religious structures, on the same day.

I would relate the efforts of Dr. Ghoulem, to a perfect prototype of a great leader, as it is depicted in, one of the sayings in the biblical scriptures. This is in one of the teachings by Jesus, where He said, " a great leader is likened to a lamp, which when placed on a higher point, its light shines to everyone who can see it ". Dr.Berrah was this type of a vibrant leader, whose leadership vibrated vigorously, and could be felt beyond the boundaries of his country. His leadership influence, overflowed farther, to countries such as Code d'Ivoire, China and America, the latter where he was even invited, to address the American Congress.

What I really liked most in this book, is the insights of what, great leadership can do, as well as the use of pictures, as part of the writing, which actualized and stamped the authenticity of the events as they unfolded in the story. l really appreciated the author's style of using pictorial graphics in his book. Apparently, I did not encounter anything dislikable in this book. I would hence recommend the book to lovers of political science and studies, to readers who enjoy reading leadership books, and also, to lovers of influential autobiographies, this book is a perfect choice.

I would love to conclude by mentioning that, the editing was exceptionally done, since I only came across minor errors, that would not change the meaning or the value of the sentences. I therefore rate this book a perfect 4 out of 4 stars.

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A Dream For Peace
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