Review of A Dream For Peace

[Janet Kimetto]

[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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I'd say A Dream For Peace by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah is a memoir unlike any other, but what do I know? That's what it feels like, though, considering the kind of life the author led. The period in which he was born and the career he chose particularly make this book a great source of history.

Dr. Berrah was born in Aïn Beïda, Constantine, Algeria, during the colonial period. The French government had divided the country into three territories—Constantine, Oran, and Algiers. He was only five when his father died, and his mother saw to it that he excelled in his education. Being his mother's only son, Dr. Berrah received so much love and attention from her.

This book follows Dr. Ghoulem Berrah's early life, his pursuit of education (and his major discoveries in his field of study), his part in Algeria's fight for liberation, his career, and his love life. It isn't just about Africa, though. For example, we see in detail how he and President Houphouët-Boigny of Côte d’Ivoire actively advocated for dialogue between Israel and Palestine. There's also a lot about interfaith marriage because Dr. Berrah and his wife managed to make their two religions (Islam and Christianity) work together.

I found a lot to like about this book. Its best feature is the priceless history it contains. The influence Dr. Berrah had as a diplomatic advisor to President Houphouët-Boigny went far beyond the Ivorian borders. He, just like President Houphouët-Boigny, emphasized the advantage of using dialogue in solving issues. Some of the stories told include Algeria's fight for liberation, Angola's independence war, and the struggle against the apartheid regime in South Africa.

The chapter titled “Diplomacy of Smiles” is the one I enjoyed reading the most. It is a collection of random memories. I couldn't help but think about the author reminiscing, writing this chapter with a smile on his face. That's the way I read it, with a smile on my face.

I liked the description of the Chaouis—a proud and powerful people not afraid to stand for what they want. That was in the first chapter, and it made me hopeful about the book. The love Dr. Berrah shared with his wife is also worth mentioning. It's not every day one finds a love like theirs. It withstood the test of time, literally.

A Dream For Peace receives 4 out of 4 stars from me. I found no negative aspects, and the book is well edited. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about Africa's colonial period, independence, and the struggle for peace (both before and after independence). This is not a history book per se, but the author's position with President Houphouët-Boigny put him in a position to know more. This book contains neither profanity nor sexual content.

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A Dream For Peace
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[MsH2k]

This book is on my list to read, and I look forward to learning about the life of this remarkable man and the world events during this time. Thank you for a lovely review and renewing my interest in this read!

[Ellylion]

I'm looking forward to read this book. I love memoirs and this one seems to be very promising Thanks for a great review!

[Chinazo Anozie]

I have also read this book and of the many reviews I've seen about it, yours is the one i connected to the most. Thank you!

[Amy Luman]

I, also, have read many reviews of this book, but this is the first one to mention the adoration of his mother. Could that be the reason for his success?

[honeybear_11001]

I love memoirs. Seems like a delightful read. Thanks for the wonderful summary and review. Can't wait to read it.

[Judy_Akha]

While reading this book, I felt like it was more informative than history books. Dr. Ghoulem Berrah had an inspirational and meaningful life. Thanks for your nice review.

[Emmanuel Okotie]

Your review is quite captivating and unique.
I'm not really a great fan of memoirs. However, I'd love to give this book a try especially because of the aspect that talks about interfaith marriage. I also think there's certainly a lot to learn from this book including the valuable history it contains. I'll add this one to my shelf.
Great review.

[Janet Kimetto]

This book is on my list to read, and I look forward to learning about the life of this remarkable man and the world events during this time. Thank you for a lovely review and renewing my interest in this read!

There is a lot to learn for sure. Dr. Berrah did live. I was worried about the book's length at first, but I soon got over it. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words, MsH2k!

[Janet Kimetto]

I'm looking forward to read this book. I love memoirs and this one seems to be very promising Thanks for a great review!

Then you would surely love it. Thank you for stopping by!

[Janet Kimetto]

,
I have also read this book and of the many reviews I've seen about it, yours is the one i connected to the most. Thank you!

Thank you so much for your kind words, Nazzo! We try!

[Janet Kimetto]

I, also, have read many reviews of this book, but this is the first one to mention the adoration of his mother. Could that be the reason for his success?

Yes, her mother was a big part of his success; he tells us that. He dedicated the book to her and said she shaped the man he became. And “through love, all is possible,” yes?(Crescent City). Thank you for stopping by!

[Muna Chizzy]

I'm inspired by the author's story. He is brave and resilient. He fought for the course of peace and the welfare of his people. Thanks for the review.

[EssyJ]

Dr. Ghourrem has seemingly lived a meaningful life as captured in this memoir. Thanks for the detailed review.

[Mildred Echesa]

This is one of those books I look at, and I feel the author was successful. Dr. Ghoul has a very successful life and career, and he is brutal in decolonization of Africa. I enjoyed your review so much