Review of A Dream For Peace
-
- Posts: 14
- Joined: 11 May 2023, 12:38
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 14
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-hennywealth.html
- Latest Review: The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson
Review of A Dream For Peace
A significant chapter in the history of African countries involves the colonization they experienced by European nations. The dominant colonizers, namely Britain, France, and Portugal, left their mark on almost every corner of the continent. Among these countries was Algeria, which fell under French rule in the early 1800s and remained under their control until the mid-1900s. During this era, Algerians faced a distinct reality as the French government exerted a strong influence, treating them differently from their French counterparts. It is within this backdrop that the captivating story of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah unfolds, a tale that captures the essence of his unwavering political passion.
The book, A Dream For Peace, invites us into the life of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah, painting a vivid picture of the circumstances that shaped his journey. Born in a region where the French government's grip on the Algerian people remained firm, Dr. Berrah's experiences fuel his fervent dedication to effecting political change. Through the pages of this captivating narrative, we traverse the timeline of his existence, witnessing the challenges, triumphs, and transformative moments that ultimately led him to become the trusted right-hand man to Félix Houphout-Boigny, the sitting president of Côte d'Ivoire.
Berrah's memoir captivated me with its heartwarming narrative of his childhood and his mother's unwavering support, while also providing valuable insights into the history and culture of Algeria and Morocco. The author's deep appreciation for the region and its people added a rich layer to the book's content. Additionally, the inclusion of intimate details from his own life, particularly his profound love and admiration for his wife, Titi, made the story feel genuine and authentic, which was reinforced by the inclusion of personal photographs. The memoir touched on various themes, but the theme of courage and perseverance stood out as the author faced setbacks like losing his scholarship and enduring community criticism. Throughout the book, his resilience and determination shine through, making it a powerful testament to overcoming adversity.
One aspect that I found slightly negative while delving into this captivating book was the author's decision to incorporate a selection of French words, which, I must admit, initially caused a measure of perplexity. However, I was determined not to let this hinder my reading experience, so I took the proactive step of conducting extensive research to shed light on the meaning and context of these linguistic additions. Through my diligent efforts, I managed to unravel the intricacies, thereby dispelling any confusion that had initially arisen. As a result, I can confidently assert that my overall enjoyment and appreciation of the book remained intact, undiminished by this linguistic hurdle. The rating of this book from me is still a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about the history of African countries during the colonial era.
******
A Dream For Peace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon