Review of A Dream For Peace

Unsullied · Post by **Unsullied** » 25 Feb 2022, 06:20

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

4 out of 4 stars

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You could describe him as a guru, a legend, or a sage. All those adjectives, however, wouldn't fully capture the image of who Dr. Ghoulem Berrah is. In his memoir, A Dream For Peace, he tells the story of his fascinating life. I can confidently say that he achieved so much both professionally and spiritually than what other known high achievers have.

Dr. Ghoulem was born to a jeweler father and a stay-at-home mom. He grew up in Algeria at a time when the country was still under colonial rule. He got a good education and even got the chance to study abroad for his university education. In his university years, he played a role in the fight for independence in his country. He led an overseas students' organization that headlined the African quest for freedom. He'd later progress and achieve so much in academics to land a teaching job at Yale University. It is here that he gets called by President Houphouet of Côte d'Ivoire for a diplomatic role. This defines his life thereafter. In his new role, he shapes policies in the continent and makes major contributions to Africa's politics and its religious integration. He meets powerful men around the globe and influences vital decisions in the continent.

It is not every day that we get the front row seats to witness diplomatic duties and activities. This book tells the emotions, compromises, negotiations, and activities that take place behind the scenes in the big offices. Dr. Ghoulem gives an honest, open, and bold account of the kind of life he led in that role. I, for instance, loved his description and narration of the tension between his boss, President Houphouet, and the then Algerian president, and how he handled it. I could smell that tension as I flipped through those pages.

I have a great interest in African politics and this book expertly talks about it. Dr. Ghoulem's factual and chronological accounts of the early politics in Africa were insightful. He describes, in detail, the challenges Africans overcame and the things that were done right to enable the overcoming of those challenges. He discusses the great people that took part in the development of this continent and recognizes their contributions. It is difficult to know where one is going without first understanding where one is coming from. This book gives a clear and vivid narration of where Africa is coming from. This, needless to say, informs the reader of where Africa should be and lets them evaluate whether it is on the right path.

I loved the author's style of writing. It was engaging and lively. His descriptions were perfect. The language he used was also simple and easy to comprehend. The book was edited professionally as I encountered only a few errors. I did not find anything to dislike in the book.

I, therefore, give the book a perfect rating of four out of four stars. It was well-written, and it told an incredible story. Furthermore, I'd recommend it to all lovers of history and everyone interested in diplomatic work.

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A Dream For Peace
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Muna Chizzy · Post by **Muna Chizzy** » 03 Mar 2022, 19:21

Sounds like an interesting memoir. I admire the author's honesty in giving an account of his life work. Thanks for the great review.

Unsullied · Post by **Unsullied** » 05 Mar 2022, 09:42

Muna Chizzy wrote: ↑03 Mar 2022, 19:21 Sounds like an interesting memoir. I admire the author's honesty in giving an account of his life work. Thanks for the great review.

Thank you for your comment, Muna.

Georg Kelb · Post by **Georg Kelb** » 05 Mar 2022, 11:28

I love that book. The world needs many people like Dr. Ghoulem. His story is really motivational and thought-provoking. Thanks for you great review!

Unsullied · Post by **Unsullied** » 06 Mar 2022, 06:08

Georg Kelb wrote: ↑05 Mar 2022, 11:28 I love that book. The world needs many people like Dr. Ghoulem. His story is really motivational and thought-provoking. Thanks for you great review!

Thank you for passing by, Georg.