Do you believe this book?

[Upeksha]

This fact wasn't noticieable for me while I was reading the book. But now I also feel that some parts have been exaggerated. On the other hand, I see no reason for him to exaggerate his own story. Actually I have mixed feelings regarding this topic and would like to see others' opinions as well.

[Michael Jerry_]

First, this was a good read.

While I believe this book and believe that it is based on true events, I don’t think it was as glamorous as Dr. Berrah made it seems. I feel like some parts have been exaggerated a bit to give the readers a more interesting experience or to make for a juicier story, and I’m okay with that. This is just my opinion and I’m not saying that the book is bad because it’s a really wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

This fact wasn't noticieable for me while I was reading the book. But now I also feel that some parts have been exaggerated. On the other hand, I see no reason for him to exaggerate his own story. Actually I have mixed feelings regarding this topic and would like to see others' opinions as well.

I can understand that it is bit confusing. The things that have happened, have happened always in a positive manner. I am pretty sure how successful a person, he will have to tell a lot about his failures and draw backs. But here, seemingly everything has happened in a smooth manner or Dr. Berrah has manipulated the situations too cleverly towards success.

But on the other hand, why would he lie about his own work in his own book? It is a matter that needs deep thinking and further discussion

[Sushan Ekanayake]

First, this was a good read.

While I believe this book and believe that it is based on true events, I don’t think it was as glamorous as Dr. Berrah made it seems. I feel like some parts have been exaggerated a bit to give the readers a more interesting experience or to make for a juicier story, and I’m okay with that. This is just my opinion and I’m not saying that the book is bad because it’s a really wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone.

I too agree about your praising about the book and your recommendations. Yes, it is a good, inspirational book. Maybe Dr. Berrah wanted to make his book much more inspirational than an ordinary memoir. He would have thought that by mentioning his failures or draw backs, he might damage the inspirational nnature of the book. So, maybe that is the reason that we only see a juicy nice story in his memoir, which is quite unusual for an ordinary life of a man

[cd20]

That is fascinating that the book is based on true events. I also have never heard of this author. I also think he should have discussed some of his hardships and failures.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

That is fascinating that the book is based on true events. I also have never heard of this author. I also think he should have discussed some of his hardships and failures.

That is the point. If the book had been more balanced between successes and failures, it would have been more relatable and trustworthy. But with the author (probably) sugar coating his arduous journey, we see that it is quite unusual for a man to be succeeded in each and every step that he place

[WADonnelly]

I think that most of this book is true if not all of it. It would certainly be a risky move to embellish certain details when the author could be found out.

[britcott30]

I think it is based on facts, but of course to be more captivating, some things are added and some things are hidden

[kdstrack]

I was impressed by the number of photos of documents (letters, speeches, events, etc.) that were included in the text. These all helped to authenticate the events described. I also felt the description of the first two marriages showed his weaknesses in his family relationships. It seems like he had a special relationship with President Houphouët (also documented with photos). Some things may have appeared to be to good to be true, but even so, he led an extraordinary life.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

I think that most of this book is true if not all of it. It would certainly be a risky move to embellish certain details when the author could be found out.

The content of the book can be cross checked with various other resources since these are international level scenarios. So, there is no argument regarding the facts of the book being true.

What I am referring to are the minute details that cannot be cross checked from anywhere else, since these are only known by either Dr. Berrah or his closest ones. These are the facts that make Dr. Berrah almost super human and also the ultimate hero in all the situations. That is why I say such facts are quite unbelievable

[Sushan Ekanayake]

I think it is based on facts, but of course to be more captivating, some things are added and some things are hidden

That is an acceptable point. No one will just listen to or read a memoir if it was ordinary and had its ups and downs. So, with the idea of captivating the audience and reaching to a wider audience, Dr. Berrah might have added some spice to his story.

But, is it an acceptable thing when it comes to a memoir? On the other hand, if the story was more relatable, won't it attract more audience?

[Sushan Ekanayake]

I was impressed by the number of photos of documents (letters, speeches, events, etc.) that were included in the text. These all helped to authenticate the events described. I also felt the description of the first two marriages showed his weaknesses in his family relationships. It seems like he had a special relationship with President Houphouët (also documented with photos). Some things may have appeared to be to good to be true, but even so, he led an extraordinary life.

That is true. He himself has included many evidence to back his story. It is true that he was treated by few international leaders more closer than an ordinary diplomat. Considering those facts, most of the details of this book can be accepted.

Maybe he didn't want to highlight the negative points or wanted to hide them for some reason. That may be the reason for us to see this book as a too optimistic read. What is included can be accepted as true occurrings

[Ndiviwe]

I think the outline of the story is true but I believe if we were to do a deeper thorough "investigation", we would have find that the true truth is all in perspective and opinion.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

I think the outline of the story is true but I believe if we were to do a deeper thorough "investigation", we would have find that the true truth is all in perspective and opinion.

We can't actually go for such a deep search. So, only we can do is assuming what could have happened and what could not have happened.

I am not sure whether perspective and opinion have to do anything with the absolute truth. If something has happened, it has happened, and if something hasn't, it hasn't. Here what I see is omitting few facts that could have given some negative mood to the total picture. By that, the author has made this memoir more optimistic, and at the same time too optimistic to even believe

[britcott30]

I think it is based on facts, but of course to be more captivating, some things are added and some things are hidden

That is an acceptable point. No one will just listen to or read a memoir if it was ordinary and had its ups and downs. So, with the idea of captivating the audience and reaching to a wider audience, Dr. Berrah might have added some spice to his story.

But, is it an acceptable thing when it comes to a memoir? On the other hand, if the story was more relatable, won't it attract more audience?

I think since basically all writing in a literary work is fiction and memory can be false, it is still acceptable to do those things. Except the writer's intention is to make scientific journals that need to be proven, it is not ethical to add or hide things from the facts.
Yes, of course if the story was more relatable, it will attract more audience. That is might be the reason he added some juicy things with his experiences