Review of A Dream For Peace
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Wemby Jordan
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Review of A Dream For Peace
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Dream For Peace" by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah.]
In A Dream For Peace, Dr. Ghoulem Berrah chronicles his early life in the province of Constantine, Ain Beïda, shedding light on his educational journey in a society subjected to French colonization. Dr. Berrah's trajectory led him to the University of Bordeaux, where his involvement in union activities combating racism unfolded against the backdrop of the Algerian Revolution. As the fight for Algerian independence intensified, Berrah's activism thrust him into the limelight, garnering attention from those wary of his endeavors. Subsequently, his connections extended to the influential president of Côte d'Ivoire, paving the way for his involvement in diverse diplomatic initiatives. Interwoven within this memoir is the tumultuous odyssey of Dr. Berrah's pursuit of love and marriage.
The narrative foundation of this memoir lies in the struggle for Algeria's independence, exposing the harsh realities of racism manifested in the obliteration of identity and the loss of lives. Dr. Berrah cast a spotlight on the arduous path to revolution, emphasizing the dire consequences of racism and the formidable challenge of reclaiming freedom. Africa's historical struggle against colonialism and the enduring victimization of the black community by racism found expression through the insider perspective provided by Dr. Berrah's memoir.
An essential theme explored in this memoir revolves around the essence of genuine happiness. Dr. Berrah scrutinized the contemporary notion of linking happiness solely to wealth, dissecting it through a spiritual lens. He underscored the world's gradual departure from authentic spiritual connections, replaced by the relentless pursuit of ambitions. The assertion that "wealth is generated by hard work, but wealth is not what makes us who we are" reinforced the idea that a person's identity transcends their material prosperity, encompassing their culture, values, and individuality.
The memoir's title succinctly encapsulates the author's life vision—a dream for harmony transcending ethnic, racial, and religious boundaries. Dr. Berrah emphasized that peace should not be a mere aspiration but an attainable reality within each individual. The poignant narrative also delved into the fractured dynamics of religion, as evidenced during Dr. Berrah's advisory role to Ivorian President Houphouët-Boigny. The collaboration between Christian and Muslim communities showcased a recognition of their shared devotion to the same God, irrespective of varying practices. The prologue written by a Catholic priest, a close friend of Dr. Berrah, and the author's marriage to a Catholic woman further illustrated his commitment to fostering unity across religious affiliations, encapsulated by the term "Living Africanity"— mutual respect for diverse religious beliefs.
There was no aspect of this memoir that evoked disapproval. I found no errors, showing that the book exhibited exceptional editing. Enthusiasts of political memoirs will find this narrative compelling, offering a unique perspective on African history from someone intimately connected to the continent's leadership. A rating of 5 out of 5 stars is well-deserved for this book.
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A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In A Dream For Peace, Dr. Ghoulem Berrah chronicles his early life in the province of Constantine, Ain Beïda, shedding light on his educational journey in a society subjected to French colonization. Dr. Berrah's trajectory led him to the University of Bordeaux, where his involvement in union activities combating racism unfolded against the backdrop of the Algerian Revolution. As the fight for Algerian independence intensified, Berrah's activism thrust him into the limelight, garnering attention from those wary of his endeavors. Subsequently, his connections extended to the influential president of Côte d'Ivoire, paving the way for his involvement in diverse diplomatic initiatives. Interwoven within this memoir is the tumultuous odyssey of Dr. Berrah's pursuit of love and marriage.
The narrative foundation of this memoir lies in the struggle for Algeria's independence, exposing the harsh realities of racism manifested in the obliteration of identity and the loss of lives. Dr. Berrah cast a spotlight on the arduous path to revolution, emphasizing the dire consequences of racism and the formidable challenge of reclaiming freedom. Africa's historical struggle against colonialism and the enduring victimization of the black community by racism found expression through the insider perspective provided by Dr. Berrah's memoir.
An essential theme explored in this memoir revolves around the essence of genuine happiness. Dr. Berrah scrutinized the contemporary notion of linking happiness solely to wealth, dissecting it through a spiritual lens. He underscored the world's gradual departure from authentic spiritual connections, replaced by the relentless pursuit of ambitions. The assertion that "wealth is generated by hard work, but wealth is not what makes us who we are" reinforced the idea that a person's identity transcends their material prosperity, encompassing their culture, values, and individuality.
The memoir's title succinctly encapsulates the author's life vision—a dream for harmony transcending ethnic, racial, and religious boundaries. Dr. Berrah emphasized that peace should not be a mere aspiration but an attainable reality within each individual. The poignant narrative also delved into the fractured dynamics of religion, as evidenced during Dr. Berrah's advisory role to Ivorian President Houphouët-Boigny. The collaboration between Christian and Muslim communities showcased a recognition of their shared devotion to the same God, irrespective of varying practices. The prologue written by a Catholic priest, a close friend of Dr. Berrah, and the author's marriage to a Catholic woman further illustrated his commitment to fostering unity across religious affiliations, encapsulated by the term "Living Africanity"— mutual respect for diverse religious beliefs.
There was no aspect of this memoir that evoked disapproval. I found no errors, showing that the book exhibited exceptional editing. Enthusiasts of political memoirs will find this narrative compelling, offering a unique perspective on African history from someone intimately connected to the continent's leadership. A rating of 5 out of 5 stars is well-deserved for this book.
******
A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Of Zots and Xoodles by Zarqnon the Embarrassed
