Review of A Dream For Peace

Steve Adelabi · Post by **Steve Adelabi** » 25 Feb 2023, 16:00

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

5 out of 5 stars

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Life growing up when the echoes of wars still resounded all over the world was tough, but life growing up being treated as a stranger in your own country was even tougher. In A Dream For Peace, Dr. Ghoulem Berrah recounts his early years as a national of Algeria, which was then a colony of France, including how French values were gradually replacing his country's and how he had restrictions on his rights. Following his desire for further studies, he accepted a scholarship in France to study medicine. It was then and there in France, that the author's fire for revolution was sparked, as he engaged actively in his country for independence.

Dr. Ghoulem recounts his involvement in several pro-independence and Pan-African movements that aimed to liberate colonized countries, especially the French-controlled colonies, from colonial rule. He also details his persona as a doctor in backwater communities, his persona as a scientist in America who made a groundbreaking discovery, his persona as a political appointee to a president, and his persona as a diplomat who pushed for peace talks and peace agendas all over the world. A Dream For Peace is a memoir detailing the experiences of the author in each of his personas and how he transitioned from one persona to another.

There are so many facets to Dr. Ghoulem's life, which can only be dissected one at a time, but after reading this 644-page memoir, I got a somewhat clear understanding of them all. In his very fulfilling life, he became a doctor, scientist, freedom fighter, political appointee and peace advocate, so there comes a need for well-structured storytelling. This book is divided into 17 chapters, each sequentially detailing aspects of Dr. Ghoulem's life. The author takes on a formal tone by using direct and simple language in this book.

Dr. Ghoulem never shied away from any opportunity to make his voice heard and cause known, a trait that played such a critical role in the makeup of the man that he is. Dr. Ghoulem also shows that it is not enough to vocally convey your cause; he demonstrates that appropriate actions should also be taken to consolidate it. Dr. Ghoulem's dedication to his endeavors is visible, as he becomes the first person to hypothesize on the 'Reverse Transcriptase Enzyme'. I am truly inspired by this man who carved a niche for himself in any environment he found himself in.

Another intriguing thing about this memoir is the author's exposition of his interactions with several prominent people from different countries. His interactions with several noteworthy people and events unravel an aspect of them that hardly can be found in the annals. I appreciate the candidness and openness in the manner in which the author tells his story.

I found only a few minor errors in this book, so I can say it is professionally edited. As a memoir, this book is candid, detailed and inspiring; therefore, I would rate this book 5 out of 5. I would recommend this book to people who want to learn more about Africa's struggle for independence and the inspiring life of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah.

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A Dream For Peace
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