Review of A Dream For Peace

Francis Aderogbin · Post by **Francis Aderogbin** » 18 Mar 2022, 04:22

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

4 out of 4 stars

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When one has passion combined with vision and intelligence, there is no limit to what that person can achieve. This is the summary of the life of Dr Ghoulem.

Men like Dr Ghoulem are very rare. A man who loves peace, breathes peace, and all his life is about diplomatic journies is genuinely scarce. Dr Ghoulem was an important figure in the decolonisation of Algeria, his home country. He was an integral part of the peace talk between Palestine and Israel. Even when his relationship with his in-laws became estranged, he took the bull by the horn to settle the rift. He was a diplomatic adviser and special counsellor to the Ivorian President, Houphouët-Boigny. He had so much influence that he closely interacted with notable historical personalities like Pope John Paul II, John Kennedy, Yasser Arafat, and more. He was a doctor par excellence. Ghoulem was indeed a good man who loved Biology.

A Dream for Peace by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah is a memoir that details the life of Ghoulem without leaving out any part. The book is properly written and full of many insights. I found myself engrossed in the book and followed the exciting story until the end. I had many lessons from the book. However, his love life struck me the most. He held on so well with tenacity during all the storms, which eventually paid off for him. It is not easy to manage interfaith marriages, but his peaceful and caring nature paved the way for them. This quote from Titi, his wife, "...the thorns on the bountiful roses of our love." summarised my lesson from his love story.

Another thing that pricked my interest was the relationship between him and President Houphouët-Boigny. He was so valuable that the President was fond of him and stood as a father to him. He was so loyal to the President that he permanently silenced his critiques with this quote, "A candle can only light another candle to create a candlelight; President Houphouët-Boigny is a lighthouse." Ghoulem was a man of honour.

I found nothing to dislike about this book. The pictures added gave me clarity about all the things Ghoulem narrated. They made me appreciate his wife's beauty and the incredible architectural design of the Riviera Mosque and St Paul's Cathedral. The book is exceptionally edited because I found no error in it. The arrangement is superb, and I love every bit of it.

I will rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. It reveals many things behind the making of the person of Ghoulem and makes me believe that influential people are not superhuman. They are also human, after all. I recommend this book to anyone who wants more information about Algeria's decolonisation and the post-colonisation era of Africa. To travel around the world forty times is not a joke.

******
A Dream For Peace
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Mildred Echesa · Post by **Mildred Echesa** » 25 Mar 2022, 02:34

I read this book and I was impressed by the achievements of Dr berah. He is a great man

Francis Aderogbin · Post by **Francis Aderogbin** » 26 Mar 2022, 15:19

Sarah1738 wrote: ↑25 Mar 2022, 02:34 I read this book and I was impressed by the achievements of Dr berah. He is a great man

Yeah. The achievement is so tremendous. Thanks for your comment.

Amiczy Heaven · Post by **Amiczy Heaven** » 26 Mar 2022, 22:07

Well said. I am still reading this book and I wish I could share your enthusiasm, unfortunately, so far I haven’t been excited about anything. I do commend his courage though.

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 27 Mar 2022, 09:04

Dr. Berrah accomplished many things. He seems to be a very good man who was trusted by many. I also like when pictures are added to a work. They add clarity.

Umesh Bhatt · Post by **Umesh Bhatt** » 27 Mar 2022, 19:57

I have read this book and I am impressed by this memoir of Dr Berrah. This is a nice review, thanks.

Regard003 · Post by **Regard003** » 28 Mar 2022, 13:41

I love the view in which you read this book. I read it too but your review puts on a new light entirely on it. Awesome review

Regard003 · Post by **Regard003** » 28 Mar 2022, 13:42

I love the view in which you read this book. I read it too but your review puts on a new light entirely on it. Awesome review

Gifty_biblophile · Post by **Gifty_biblophile** » 28 Mar 2022, 15:12

I have read the book and I can for one say Dr Ghoulem was a great man who was an achiever, a man who had vision and was intelligent. His life is one which we can learn from. Thanks for this well written review.