Review of A Dream For Peace

[Anusha Thatavarthi]

[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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A Dream for Peace is a memoir by Dr. Ghoulem Bherra. He is a freedom fighter, scientist and ambassador. In this amazing book, the author reminisces about his life since childhood. Bherra originates from a small village in Algeria. At that time, Algeria was under French colonial rule. Bherra and his siblings were raised by his widowed mother. As an intelligent child, he gets into all the elite educational institutions in Algeria. But the racism in these institutions by the French makes Bherra rebellious and makes him question authority.

Later, he goes to France for his higher education and there he is exposed to people and organizations that encourage him to take part in the Algerian freedom movement. This path takes Bherra through various countries like Morocco, China and US. He becomes a soldier, a doctor and an ambassador. He loves and loses those dear to him along the way.

This book is the culmination of an exceptionally lived life. The Algerian freedom movement was something I didn’t know much about. But as I read the struggle through Bherra’s narration, goosebumps rose on my skin. The drastic conditions under which the author fought in Morrocco were incredible.

I liked the clean and clear writing style of the author. Reading this book is like having a conversation with a very intellectual person. I also liked the author’s love story. He and his wife, Titi, had crossed many obstacles to marry each other. It showed the power of love and the importance of finding one’s soulmate. I especially found the chapters on the author’s work in Africa very interesting.

There is nothing I disliked about the book. I couldn’t find any errors in the book and considering its length, that is very impressive. There are no erotic scenes in the book and no profanity. There is some violence in the book and it features revolutions and wars. Readers triggered by war may want to avoid this.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars because it is inspirational and written very well. I recommend this to young adults and adults. I also recommend it to readers who enjoy memoirs and readers who like to learn more about the Algerian Freedom Struggle.

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A Dream For Peace
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