Review of A Dream For Peace

[Nzube Chizoba Okeke]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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Dr. Ghoulem Berrah in A Dream For Peace wrote of his life as a young boy in the province of Constantine, Ain Beïda, and his journey toward acquiring education in a society colonized by France. By the time Dr. Berrah enrolled at the university in Bordeaux, he was deeply involved with union activities that targeted racism in the system, preceded by the Algerian Revolution. As the agitation continued for the independence of Algeria, Berrah's activities made him a person of interest. His work and education made him friends with the influential president of Côte d'Ivoire and subsequently led him to the many diplomatic activities he engaged in during his work. This memoir also included his rather turbulent journey towards love and marriage.

Much of the content of this memoir was founded on the fight for the independence of Algeria and freedom from the colonial claws of France. Dr. Berrah's memoir shone a light on the ragged road to revolution. He brought to the fore the terrible fruits of racism often manifested in the erasure of a people's identity and the loss of life. He also highlighted the even more arduous task of regaining freedom. Africa as a nation had never been a stranger to colonialism, and the black man had been victims of racism for centuries. This memoir gave an insight into what the struggle for freedom looked like from an insider's point of view.

One of the many reflections that this memoir dwelt on was the meaning of true happiness. Dr. Berrah addressed the modern posture where happiness had been equated with wealth. He examined it in terms of spirituality and the world's journey away from true spiritual connection, which had been substituted for the pursuit of ambitions. According to the author, "wealth is generated by hard work, but wealth is not what makes us who we are." This statement bolstered the point that a people's identity was more than their wealth; it would be found in their culture, values, and uniqueness.

The title of this memoir aptly summarized the author's life. His vision was for peace across all ethnic and racial extractions and religious sects. He stated that "peace starts with each of us. It should not be a dream." One of the most emotional parts of this book would be the clear and profound evidence of the broken bonds of religion. Dr. Berrah's time as an advisor to the Ivorian president, Houphouët-Boigny, was proof of this. We saw the Christian and Muslim communities work together, recognizing that they worship the same God, irrespective of the varied methods. The mere fact that the prologue to this book was written by a Catholic priest who was Dr. Berrah's close friend, even though Dr. Berrah was Muslim, or that Dr. Berrah married a Catholic woman, was further proof of the author's desire for unity across religious setups. The author called it "Living Africanity," the mutual respect of each other's religion. It was easy to see the author's genuine respect for the Christian faith.

There was nothing I disliked about this memoir. Though I saw some errors, I'd reckon the book was professionally edited. Lovers of political memoirs would enjoy this one. If you'd love to know a bit of African history from someone who had been at the center stage of African leadership, then get yourself a copy. Finally, I’d rate A Dream For Peace 4 out of 4 stars.

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A Dream For Peace
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[Timothee22]

This is a memoir of the author Ghoulem Berra. It was well written, and the ideas were well put out in detail, albeit too many details at times. It was a decent read.

[Hakeem nuel]

This is a well written review. I learned about the independence of Algeria.

[Cesyao]

I was deeply moved by the themes of forgiveness and understanding woven throughout A Dream for Peace.

[Elvischukwu]

A Dream for Peace is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the indomitable desire for a world free from violence and conflict.

[Kelvin Modilim]

The author's portrayal of key figures and their roles in the fight for freedom brings a human element to the historical narrative, making it relatable and engaging.