Joseph Bedoucha

JOYS and ANGUISH of a JOURNEY Joseph Bedoucha

1954. The uprising is gaining strength in Algeria, and France is drafting young men into the Army. Joseph, a young Jew chased from his native Tunisia with his family and recently settled in Paris, is called up and sent to Germany for short but harsh training. What could be more difficult for him than to find himself in this country which had made his people suffer so much during the last world war? He will survive the training becoming a no-commissioned officer and will even request to be sent to Algeria where he will ' keep the peace ' along with all the other young draftees. As he narrates with precision the difficulties of his daily life, it is his unbelievable ability to adapt and his cleverness that make us smile. He always tries to better the situation for himself and his fellow soldiers, earning the gratitude of his superior officers. Once convinced he would die in Algeria, he nonetheless returns quite alive to Paris and will seek out future path. He takes us through moments of joy shared with his family, old friends and anguish for his future until he meets the love of his life. Will Joseph overcome his anguish and doubts so he can reach his professional and life goals?