Review of A Dream For Peace

Ebi Robert · Post by **Ebi Robert** » 29 Jun 2022, 16:52

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

4 out of 4 stars

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A Dream for Peace is a book written by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah. The book narrates the life of the writer and offers the readers a first-person perspective on the struggles African countries encountered towards the end of heavy colonial influence. Berrah was born as an Algerian citizen to Algerian parents. He was a medical student in Bordeaux, France, who was trained in the sciences and very well equipped in his discipline, such that he worked as a lecturer at the Yale School of Medicine. However, his strong will for activism, especially as it affected the liberalisation of Africa, forced him to return to Africa. He was first married to an Ivorian lady, after which he started working with the President of Ivory Coast, President Houphouet-Boigny, and later became an Ivorian citizen. He lived his life working for peace. His role as a trusted confidant to the Ivorian President eventually led to the brokering of peace between the Algerian President and the President of Ivory Coast—two rivals with different philosophies of the African struggle.

This Ambassador’s memoir takes us through the captivating story of a man whose presence was felt in the actualization of peace in many parts of the world. The book is introduced with a prologue by H.E. Monsignor Justo Mullor Garcia, followed by a ‘hommage to the author’, and then the seventeen chapters taking us through the stream of the memoir. Berrah’s story is that of a Pan-Africanist, one who puts Africa first, before his own nation. The book is written in a simple language and is very easy to understand. Each chapter opens with a statement, which is an excerpt from the chapter itself. This keeps readers going, and makes them expectant of the intriguing content of it. All these and many more sum up the positive sides of this book.

Berrah’s book is a masterpiece. It’s a mind-capturing read, a beautiful page-turner. However, it can be considered a long read for some people. Sometimes, a reader may wish a piece would not end. Other times, it may be the reverse. For some, perhaps, this may be a negative aspect.

Despite the lengthy form of this memoir, it is worth the time. Not only is the book a page-turner; it is also free from errors. This means that the book is well edited. I rate this book a four out of four stars.

The book, A Dream for Peace, is an important historical memoir. It doesn’t just tell the story of a man. It contains important historical facts that one may not find in some history books. This means that this book is important for historians. I recommend this book to historians, Pan-Africanists, and literature scholars. The list is not exhaustive.

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A Dream For Peace
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Gulam Mohamed · Post by **Gulam Mohamed** » 13 Jul 2022, 09:09

Thank you for this very inspiring review. I think it's over 60,000 pages long. I'll probably look at it this year. I wonder how old he is now. You have drawn me into looking at this work. It is very interesting to read that a man can believe in peace for the continent of Africa with so much passion.

Ebi Robert · Post by **Ebi Robert** » 17 Jul 2022, 03:45

Thank you for your comment. I am happy the review was able to find interest in reading the book. Thanks once again.

Amarachi Nwankwo03 · Post by **Amarachi Nwankwo03** » 18 Jul 2022, 02:47

This is indeed a masterpiece! I do agree that the length might be an issue for some, but if you recount the achievements of this man, you will surely understand the need for these many pages! Thank you for your review.

Wamala Elijah Mul · Post by **Wamala Elijah Mul** » 18 Jul 2022, 02:48

Great job on the review! There is a lot of useful information in this book that I enjoyed reading. A wide range of topics are covered. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on the book.

Post by **Onyinyechi Orji** » 18 Jul 2022, 02:58

I just finished reading this book and I must say I didn't know of Dr. Ghoulem till yesterday. Not all heroes wear capes. He's life was astonishing

Christabel Egbeama · Post by **Christabel Egbeama** » 19 Jul 2022, 00:23

I've come to realize that this is a well-detailed book, packed with lots of information. I'm finally ready to read this book, regardless of its length.

Lulu Efobi · Post by **Lulu Efobi** » 19 Jul 2022, 10:31

Asides the lengthiness of this book, it is packed with so much lessons on Africa. It makes me want to explore northern Africa particularly so I can properly resonate with the author's experiences. Good review.

IconReviews · Post by **IconReviews** » 19 Jul 2022, 10:57

This book contains a lot of history about Africa and how Dr. Berrah impacted its political system. The book is long but is packed with valuable information. I've read it and found it very insightful.