Review of A Dream For Peace

Ibunyi · Post by **Ibunyi** » 06 Jun 2022, 08:15

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Education shaped many African revolutionaries during the colonial era. Most of the beneficiaries went on to champion revolution against the colonial administrations. Dr. Ghoulem Berrah was one of the Pan-African revolutionaries who helped fight for independence in Algeria. He was born when Algeria was under French colonial rule but lost his father at a tender age. He earned a scholarship to study in France after excelling in his studies. His lifeline mission was to negotiate for peaceful coexistence among nations and communities regardless of their race, religious, economic, or political differences.

A Dream for Peace: An Ambassador's Memoir is a memoir accounting for the life of Dr. Berrah. He served as an ambassador of the Pope in Cote d'Ivoire, where he negotiated many peaceful talks within Africa and the Middle East. Dr. Berrah was a strong Muslim married to a Catholic wife, Titi. His first two marriages ended after his partners died, while the third one was terminated in a court of law. Titi, his fourth wife, was the love of his life, judging from how he hailed praises on her. Dr. Berrah championed the coexistence of Muslims and Catholics in the Ivory Coast by helping construct a mosque and a church. I admired the author's deft handling of delicate and frequently contentious topics like discrimination and, in particular, racism. He also campaigned for better remuneration to farmers after the establishment of Syndicat Agricole Africain(SAA) in 1944. He worked for peace through effective means that were inherently peaceful. His contributions to the attainment of independence in Algeria and other African countries are clearly his highest achievements.

The most evident theme in the entire book was love. I enjoyed the author's narration style and his use of simple language. He Incorporated images of events and people he had worked with and adored. He kept my concentration on the book with how he explained events, most of which were unknown to me before. Another evident theme was racism. The author experienced racism firsthand after being arrested in France. Dr. Berrah acknowledges all his friends and their contributions to his success. I admired his leadership skills as he inspires people to rise from any challenges we might face.

Dr. Berrah's personal and political life is the epitome of success. However, I felt that he didn't expound on his major challenges and failures. The book entirely explores his accomplishments and achievements. His major challenge was the death of his mother when he was in college. I only came across one error, which was insignificant to the plotline. Therefore, the book was professionally edited.

I awarded the book a perfect rating of four out of four stars. Lovers of history would find this book helpful. Similarly, this book is motivating by just learning about Dr. Berrah's life. Finally, individuals seeking to be advocates for peace will acquire tons of information from this book.

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A Dream For Peace
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Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 12 Jun 2022, 14:13

I love that the major theme in the story is love. His belief that different religions could coexist is inspiring. It would be very interesting to read about his major accomplishments. Thank you for an excellent review!

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 12 Jun 2022, 14:30

I have read a lot of reviews of this book. Dr. Berrah seems to be a very interesting and well liked man. No one ever has a bad thing to say about him.I am very impressed with his ability to share credit when it is warranted.

Jane Ogwang · Post by **Jane Ogwang** » 13 Jun 2022, 03:44

Dr. Berrah lived a happy and successful life if this book is anything to go by. Thanks for the wonderful review.

Oluwapelumi Rachael · Post by **Oluwapelumi Rachael** » 13 Jun 2022, 05:01

I like that Dr berrah achieved so much and found his true love. Your review is well-written and informative.

Nino Chinonso Onwurah · Post by **Nino Chinonso Onwurah** » 14 Jun 2022, 05:35

Wow! A Muslim marrying a Catholic and working as the Pope’s ambassador—the author’s commitment to peace and love is impeccable. This is an excellent review.