Title: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
Author: Trevor Noah
First published November 15, 2016
288 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780399588198 (ISBN10: 0399588191)
Rating: 4.49
Overview
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah is a captivating memoir that tells the story of a young boy’s journey through apartheid South Africa to becoming a successful comedian. Born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother, Trevor’s birth was a criminal act, punishable by five years in prison.
His mother went to extreme lengths to keep him hidden from the government, leading to a childhood spent mostly indoors.
As South Africa’s tyrannical white rule came to an end, Trevor and his mother embarked on a new adventure, embracing their newfound freedom. This memoir is a testament to the power of a mother’s love and the resilience of the human spirit.
Trevor’s stories are both hilarious and deeply affecting, from subsisting on caterpillars during hard times to surviving an attempted kidnapping.
Through it all, Trevor’s wit and unflinching honesty shine through, painting a vivid picture of a boy growing up in a damaged world during a dangerous time. This memoir is not just an account of growing up in apartheid South Africa, but a tribute to the author’s remarkable mother and the bond they shared.
Born a Crime is a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired by the power of love and the human spirit.
About the Author
Trevor Noah, a multitalented individual from South Africa, has become a renowned comedian, television and radio host, and actor. He is currently hosting The Daily Show, a popular late-night talk show on Comedy Central.
Editoral Review
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, written by Trevor Noah, is a memoir that provides a unique and insightful perspective into the complexities of growing up in apartheid South Africa. Noah, known for his wit and humor as the host of The Daily Show, takes a different approach in this book, revealing the harsh realities of his upbringing and the impact of racial segregation on his life.
Noah’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow, with a mix of humor and seriousness that keeps the reader invested in the story. He seamlessly blends his personal experiences with historical context, providing a comprehensive understanding of apartheid South Africa and its aftermath.
The themes of race, identity, and family are interwoven throughout the book, creating a well-rounded narrative that explores the nuances of each topic.
The book is structured as a series of essays, each focusing on a different aspect of Noah’s life, from his childhood to his early career in comedy. The essays are self-contained but also build upon each other, creating a cohesive narrative that is both informative and entertaining.
Noah’s unique voice and perspective shine through in each essay, making the reader feel like they are experiencing his life alongside him.
One of the strengths of the book is its character development. Noah’s family members, friends, and acquaintances are all well-rounded and complex, with their own unique struggles and triumphs.
Noah himself is a compelling protagonist, navigating the challenges of being mixed-race in a society that does not accept him. The setting of apartheid South Africa is also a character in its own right, with Noah’s descriptions of the townships and the effects of segregation on everyday life providing a visceral understanding of the era.
The themes of the book are particularly relevant in today’s world, as issues of race and identity continue to be at the forefront of global conversations. Noah’s memoir provides a personal and relatable perspective on these topics, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Additionally, the book sheds light on a little-known period of history, exposing the atrocities of apartheid South Africa and the impact it had on its citizens.
While the book has many strengths, it does have some limitations. At times, the pacing can feel slow, with some essays feeling repetitive or unnecessary.
Additionally, the book could benefit from more nuanced discussions of certain topics, such as the role of gender in apartheid South Africa.
Overall, Born a Crime is a well-crafted and insightful memoir that provides a unique perspective on apartheid South Africa. Noah’s writing is engaging and informative, and his personal experiences make the book relatable and accessible.
While it has some flaws, the strengths of the book make it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in history, race, and identity. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 4/5
