If you’re going to read this book, then I suggest listening to it. Trevor Noah is the audiobook narrator so it’s amazing to listen to. Plus, his accent is fabulous.
If you’re not familiar with Trevor Noah, he is a South African comedian, television host, actor, and political commentator. He is most commonly known as the host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central.
He was born in Johannesburg and began his career in South Africa in 2002. The book doesn’t go into details about his career really taking off in the United States, which I would’ve loved to hear more about.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood tells stories of his life growing up in Cape Town during tyrannical white rule… and oh my goodness. I’m just glad he’s alive to tell these stories today. They’re wild! This story of a mischievous young boy in the earliest years of his life is truly one of a kind.
Rumor has it that a film is going to be created based on the original book, so be on the lookout for that. This book came out in 2016, and it took me a few years to find, but I’m glad I did. Click here to buy Born a Crime on Amazon.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Book Summary
Trevor’s Childhood and Family Background
Trevor Noah’s childhood was anything but ordinary. Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, he was literally “born a crime” due to his parents’ interracial relationship. His mom, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, was a black Xhosa woman; his dad was a white Swiss man. Under apartheid government laws, relationships like theirs were forbidden.
Raised mainly by his strong and religious mother, Trevor experienced life differently than most black kids in apartheid-era South Africa. They lived in Eden Park, a black township. There, he quickly learned to adapt using humor and a shared language to connect with different groups. His earliest years were a mix of cultural clashes, daily dangers, and a lot of time spent finding his own way.
From attempted kidnappings to life in a black township, Trevor’s childhood stories offer a unique perspective on family, faith, and resilience in a world that was constantly trying to tell him he didn’t belong.
Navigating Apartheid and Finding Identity
Growing up under the apartheid regime, Trevor faced challenges few can imagine. Apartheid laws created strict racial segregation, making life complex for someone like Trevor. He had to avoid being seen in public with his white father and often struggled to find his place.
But Trevor’s mother, Patricia, was determined to give him a better life. She didn’t just stick to the rules; she wanted him to experience a world beyond apartheid. They attended black, white, and mixed churches each week, exposing him to different communities.
Through it all, Trevor’s ability to speak multiple languages, including Zulu, helped him navigate various social circles, a critical skill for any mixed-race child in apartheid-era South Africa.
A Mischievous Young Boy with Big Lessons
Trevor’s childhood stories? They’re wild, funny, and sometimes unbelievable. Always pushing boundaries, he got into his fair share of trouble. Bootlegging CDs in high school? Burning down a house (by accident)? Just a day in Trevor’s life.
But these funny tales are packed with hard-learned lessons about survival, resilience, and self-identity.
A Strong Woman and an Unbreakable Bond
At the heart of Trevor’s life is his relationship with his mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah. A fierce, strong woman who defied the strict apartheid laws, she raised Trevor to be independent, resourceful, and unafraid of standing up for what’s right. She faced a lot of challenges, from her intense religious commitments to navigating life as a single mother in apartheid-era South Africa. Patricia’s story is inspiring and often surprising.
She taught Trevor resilience, not just through her words but by example, enduring a hard time with courage and humor. Whether she was escaping a moving car with him to avoid a Zulu driver’s threats or pressing charges against an abusive ex-husband, Patricia remained a steady force. Her love was unconditional, her bravery unmatched, and her faith unwavering. In a world where her son’s very existence was deemed criminal, she showed him how to rise above it.
Trevor’s relationship with his stepfather, Abel, was tumultuous and frightening. Abel, a mechanic, was abusive and had an unpredictable temper that left a lasting impact on Trevor’s childhood. The situation escalated to a terrifying level when Abel shot Trevor’s mother, Patricia, in the head.
In a miraculous turn, Patricia survived. This experience was not only traumatic but exposed Trevor to the harsh realities of domestic abuse and the complexities within his family. The incident adds a dark layer to his memoir.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Book Insights
Identity and Belonging
Trevor’s journey reveals the complexity of navigating different groups, especially in a society enforcing strict racial segregation. Through his stories, we see how he struggled—and often succeeded—in carving out a space for himself in a world that constantly reminded him he didn’t fit in.
Humor Amid Hardship
Noah’s humor is a constant presence throughout his memoir, acting as both a shield and survival tool. Even in the darkest times, he finds laughter, using comedy to process and cope with his circumstances.
It’s a remarkable example of how humor can be a form of resilience, a way to push through adversity. This adds a unique tone to his stories, making heavy themes easier to digest while maintaining their impact.
Racial Inequality and Injustice
Trevor’s life is a firsthand look at the harsh injustices faced by black South Africans under apartheid. From his mother’s daily struggles to Trevor’s constant risk as a “forbidden” child, his story unveils the impact of apartheid laws. His experiences with racial inequality are eye-opening. They provide a powerful perspective on a system designed to oppress people of different races and control social order.
The Power of Family and Faith
Trevor’s mother, Patricia, is the heart of this memoir. Her strong faith, resilience, and sense of humor shaped Trevor’s worldview, instilling in him the values of compassion and resilience. Patricia’s influence is evident in Trevor’s storytelling, as he reflects on how her courage molded him into the person he is today.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Book Review
Where Is Trevor Noah Now?
Since publishing Born a Crime, Trevor Noah has continued to thrive as an entertainer and public figure. He became a household name in the United States during his time as the host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, where his humor, insight, and knack for tackling social and political issues helped him connect with audiences worldwide. After a successful seven-year run on The Daily Show, he stepped down in late 2022, closing this chapter of his career to focus on new creative pursuits.
Today, Trevor Noah is still in the spotlight, balancing his stand-up comedy, writing, and philanthropic efforts. He frequently tours internationally, performing stand-up shows filled with humor, social commentary, and reflections on his life experiences. In addition to comedy, Trevor actively supports educational initiatives in South Africa through The Trevor Noah Foundation, which provides resources and programs for underserved youth.
“Kids of today are being told to be the leaders of tomorrow, but they’re not given the tools. We tell people to follow their dreams, but you can only dream of what you can imagine, and, depending on where you come from, your imagination can be quite limited”, Trevor Noah said.
From his ongoing commitment to social issues to his continued work in entertainment, Trevor Noah remains an influential voice. His unique perspective and ability to turn personal challenges into engaging, relatable stories keep his audience laughing, thinking, and inspired.
Book Club Questions for Born a Crime
- Identity and Belonging: How did Trevor’s mixed-race identity shape his experiences growing up? In what ways did he find a sense of belonging, despite the barriers imposed by apartheid?
- Humor as Resilience: How does Trevor use humor to cope with adversity? Can you think of moments in the book where his humor transforms a difficult situation?
- Role of Family and Faith: Patricia Noah’s influence on Trevor is profound. How do her beliefs, resilience, and humor shape Trevor’s outlook on life? How would his story have differed without her?
- Racial Inequality and Injustice: What were some of the most impactful examples of racial injustice in the book? How did apartheid laws affect not only Trevor’s family but also black South Africans at large?
- Survival and Adaptation: Trevor adapted to various social circles by learning multiple languages. How did language help him survive in such a divided society? What role did it play in his understanding of different groups?
- The Power of Storytelling: How does Trevor’s unique storytelling voice affect your perception of his experiences? How does it enhance—or even soften—the impact of the heavier themes in the book?
- Impact of Apartheid: How did apartheid’s effects on South African society influence Trevor’s childhood? What insights did you gain about apartheid that you hadn’t considered before?
- Reflections on Modern Society: While *Born a Crime* focuses on apartheid-era South Africa, do any parallels stand out in today’s world? What universal lessons does Trevor’s story offer?
- Book-to-Movie Adaptation: *Born a Crime* is rumored to be made into a film. How do you imagine it being adapted? Are there specific scenes or themes you’d love to see portrayed?
- Personal Reflection: How did reading *Born a Crime* challenge your own perceptions of resilience, identity, and the power of family? Which parts of Trevor’s story resonated with you the most, and why?
Book Review and Final Thoughts
Born a Crime is a must-read for anyone interested in apartheid South Africa, personal resilience, the impact of family, and of course, Trevor Noah fans. Trevor Noah’s mix of humor and vulnerability makes this memoir memorable. It’s a book that resonates with fans of memoirs, comedy, and history, especially those drawn to stories of overcoming adversity.
Noah’s storytelling is unmatched. He navigates complex themes with both levity and depth, making his story not only impactful but also thoroughly enjoyable.
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