Review of A Dream For Peace

Ebele Ekelobi · Post by **Ebele Ekelobi** » 29 Sep 2022, 00:32

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

4 out of 4 stars

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A Dream For Peace by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah is as much an autobiography as it is a fictional story of perseverance, loyalty, and patriotism. Following the events of young Ghoulem fighting for the freedom of his country, Algeria, from its colonisers, France, who were trying to make the culture of the North African country forgotten and replaced by French culture, Ghoulem practised political activism throughout his studies at Bordeaux, cofounding and heading an organisation to fight for Algeria’s freedom, he is imprisoned later for his actions against the law. Throughout this book, he recounted his various experiences as a medical student in Bordeaux and later at Indiana University, Bloomington, as a multinational diplomat serving as a special advisor, emissary, and ambassador. As a talented diplomat, he faced the turmoil of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict head-on, challenged the status quo and embraced both dialogue and peace between Israel and his Arab neighbours; a conflict none thought could be resolved in any one era. His religiousness is shone ever so brightly through his many quotes and references from the Qur’an and his fervent reading of it through his years for guidance and support from the almighty.

I really enjoyed reading this book, especially because of the author's approach to the hurdles he faced throughout his life and his dispositions during them, however long they lasted. He is an extremely likeable person, and his character emanated through his writing. From the patriotic young man with visions and ambitions for the future of his dear motherland, to the peace-seeking diplomat of many nations, his meeting with the president of Cote d’Ivoire happened by chance but not so much. After his discovery during his studies at Indiana, his life would skyrocket to and beyond the stars, getting the opportunity to meet various influential people that have already succeeded in what he would eventually pursue and succeed in, but throughout all this, his diligent, humble, patriotic nature never changed.

There aren’t many things I don’t like about this book other than the fact that there were so many characters to keep up with, but as it is an account of the life of an actual person, that is expected. Ghoulem went from place to place throughout the book, and it became increasingly hard to follow the names of new characters every time they were introduced. The author didn’t re-mention names of unimportant characters frequently, but this made it even harder to go along because you wouldn’t be able to tell which character would be relevant later in his story. It's also worth mentioning that some parts of the book were not translated into English which was a minor irk.

This book gets a solid 4 out of 4 stars. The diplomat’s life is certainly an interesting one to follow; all his accomplishments, along with how he got there, were a big source of motivation and an exemplary body to emulate. The author's narration style also certainly added to the appeal of this book. The editors did a great job with this one; it was professionally edited.

I recommend this to mature adults and politicians who have responsibilities in some form or the other, as they have much to learn from Dr Ghoulem Berrah in terms of accomplishments through character. It also has many lessons to teach them on hard work, patriotism and the love for one's country and the desire to grow and nurture it, as it is the only way an economy can move forward.

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A Dream For Peace
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Sou Hi · Post by **Sou Hi** » 11 Oct 2022, 03:55

Thanks for your informative review. Dr. Ghoulem Berrah's life story is a great inspiration for peace lovers. It's very unfortunate that both he and his "father" have passed.