Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood book cover
Trevor Noah
Star Rating
★★★★★
Reviewer's Rating
Jun 7, 2024

Born a Crime is the autobiography of Trevor Noah, comedian and host of The Daily Show, detailing his experiences growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. Noah was born to a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss father, a union that was illegal under apartheid laws. The book explores his struggles with identity, his complicated relationship with his mother, and the challenges of navigating life as a biracial child in a society rife with racial tension. Through humor and insight, Noah shares his journey of resilience and finding his own place in the world. 

Trevor Noah's Born a Crime is a deeply insightful exploration of the apartheid era in South Africa. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how Noah uses humor to address the serious issues of racism and discrimination he faced. As a reader, I found myself both laughing and feeling deeply moved by his experiences. I was not disappointed at any point during the book; in fact, I was left inspired by Noah's resilience and ability to find humor in even the darkest of times. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys memoirs, appreciates comedy, and is interested in exploring issues of identity and discrimination. It is a powerful and engaging read that will stay with you long after you have finished it.

Written by
Aakanksha R.

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