Review of A Dream For Peace

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Davy Ifedigbo
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Review of A Dream For Peace

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[Following is a volunteer review of "A Dream For Peace" by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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The significance of a nation's independence lies in granting the country autonomy from external influence. Once a country attains independence, only its citizens are eligible to occupy crucial positions in different sectors. However, gaining independence is a complex process involving multiple negotiations and agreements. In the book, the author recounts his involvement in securing Algeria's independence and promoting peace across various African nations.

A Dream for Peace: An Ambassador's Memoir by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah delves into his experiences and involvement in the fight for Algerian independence. The book begins with a detailed account of the author's biography, including his birthplace in Algeria (Aïn Beïda), familial background, and education. Born in Algeria, the author was deeply disturbed by the French imperialists' ill-treatment of the Algerian people. This led him and several students from different North African countries to form associations, such as the FLN (Front de Liberation Nationale), to discuss ways to gain independence from the imperialists and tackle the challenges ahead. While the author's role in the Algerian independence movement is the crux of the book, a reader will have to read through the 629 pages to fully understand the extent of the author's involvement.

I found certain aspects of the book enjoyable, particularly the author's unwavering patriotism and deep interest in the development of Algeria. His desire for Algeria's independence stemmed from his passion for progress and eagerness to stay informed on relevant issues. Reading about his experiences reminded me of the importance of actively contributing to society by fulfilling our social and political obligations. The images included in the book were also quite helpful in illustrating the author's points. For example, the image of his father (Hamadi Berrah) on page 16 clarifies the author's narrative. Additionally, the book provided readers with valuable insight into historical events in various African countries. Upon finishing the book, readers would have learned about Algeria's independence, its circumstances, and the individuals who played a positive role in achieving it.

Some aspects of the book did not resonate with me. The book contains numerous non-English words that must be translated, making it challenging for readers to comprehend. An example is the term "Bahlouli" on page 86. Additionally, some abbreviations are used throughout the book without being fully explained, such as "UGEMA" on page 98. It would be helpful if the author included a comprehensive list of all acronyms and their meanings at the beginning of the book. This would greatly aid readers in understanding the piece.

I found the book enjoyable, with the author's determination particularly standing out to me. Despite being a medical student, he was committed to contributing to Algeria's development. As a Nigerian, I also appreciated the book's coverage of the Nigerian civil war that began in 1967. I found no errors in the book, so it is extraordinarily well-edited. Due to the aspects of the book I enjoy, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone interested in learning about Algeria's independence. Additionally, historical non-fiction enthusiasts would also find this book engaging.

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A Dream For Peace
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