Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
Author: Trevor Noah
Born a Crime is a memoir by Trevor Noah, the celebrated comedian and former host of The Daily Show. The book details his extraordinary childhood in apartheid-era South Africa, where being born to a Black mother and a White father was literally a crime.
With humor, honesty, and insight, Noah shares powerful stories of growing up under a racist regime, his relationship with his fearless mother, and the challenges of navigating identity, poverty, and oppression.
Why Born a Crime is a Must-Read
Hilarious Yet Deeply Moving – A mix of laugh-out-loud humor and heartbreaking reality.
Insightful Look at Apartheid – Provides a firsthand account of life under South Africa’s oppressive racial laws.
An Ode to Motherhood – Trevor’s mother, Patricia, is the true hero of the story, offering strength and wisdom.
Powerful Reflections on Race & Identity – Explores systemic racism, privilege, and survival in an unjust society.
Plot Overview
Trevor Noah was born in 1984, when interracial relationships were illegal in South Africa. His parents had to keep their relationship secret, and Trevor was often hidden indoors to avoid being taken away.
As he grows up, Trevor struggles to find his place—not fully accepted by Black people, White people, or Colored communities. His journey takes him through hilarious and sometimes dangerous misadventures, including:
Getting thrown out of a moving car by gangsters
Making money by selling pirated CDs as a teenager
Accidentally burning down someone’s house
Surviving on his sharp wit and quick thinking
At the heart of it all is his mother, Patricia Noah, a fiercely independent and religious woman who defied apartheid laws to give Trevor a better life. Their relationship is complicated, loving, and inspiring.
Memorable Quotes from Born a Crime
"I was born a crime. But I was not alone. I was loved."
Sinhala Translation: "මම ගැහැනු වරදක් වුණා. නමුත් මම එකාක නෙවෙයි. මට ආදරෙයි."
Tamil Translation: "நான் ஒரு குற்றமாக பிறந்தேன். ஆனால் நான் தனியாக இல்லை. என்னை நேசித்தார்கள்."
Availability at Booxworm.lk
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Book Details
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Title: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
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Author: Trevor Noah
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ISBN: 9780399588198
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Publisher: Spiegel & Grau
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Published Year: 2016
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Number of Pages: 304
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Binding: Paperback
