"Born a Crime" is a memoir written by South African comedian and television host Trevor Noah. The book tells the story of Noah's childhood growing up in apartheid South Africa, where his existence as the son of a white father and a black mother was considered a crime. The book's title is derived from this fact, as Noah's very existence was a violation of South African law at the time.
ABOUT
AUTHOR:
Trevor Noah
is a South African comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, and
television host. He was born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South
Africa. Noah's mother is of Xhosa ethnicity, and his father is of Swiss-German
descent, which made his birth illegal under apartheid laws.
SUMMARY: (AS IF TREVOR NOAH WROTE IT)
"Born a
Crime" is a memoir that recounts my experiences growing up in apartheid
South Africa. The book is structured around a series of personal anecdotes that
illustrate the challenges I faced as the child of a white father and a black
mother, which was considered a crime under apartheid law.
The book
starts with a brief history of apartheid and its impact on South African
society. I then share stories from my childhood, including the complexities of
navigating racial identity, my mother's religious beliefs and strict parenting
style, and my education under the apartheid regime.
One of the
recurring themes in the book is the power of language. Growing up speaking
several languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu, allowed me to
navigate the different worlds I inhabited. I explore how language was used to
reinforce apartheid policies and how it could also be used to subvert them.
The book
also explores themes of domestic violence, poverty, and crime. I share stories
of my mother's abusive relationship with my stepfather and how it impacted our
family. I also talk about my experience with crime, including being shot at and
arrested, and how these experiences shaped my perspective on life.
Despite the
challenges, the book also highlights the resilience, humor, and resourcefulness
that allowed me to overcome the obstacles I faced. I share stories of the
friendships and relationships that sustained me, including my relationship with
my mother, who remained a constant source of strength and inspiration
throughout my life.
Ultimately,
"Born a Crime" is a memoir about my journey of self-discovery and the
role that race, language, and culture played in shaping my identity. It is also
a reflection on the power of storytelling and the ways in which we can use our
experiences to connect with others and make sense of the world around us.
EVALUATION:
The book has
been widely praised for its humor, honesty, and insight into South African
history and culture. Many critics have noted the book's unique perspective on
apartheid, as it explores the impact of the system on everyday life and
personal relationships, rather than focusing solely on its political or
economic effects.
The book's
structure, which is organized around a series of personal anecdotes, has also
been praised for its engaging and accessible style. The stories range from
humorous to heartbreaking, and they provide a compelling and nuanced portrait
of life under apartheid.
Critics have
also praised the book's exploration of themes such as race, identity, and
language, which are woven throughout the book and provide a deeper
understanding of the author's experiences. The book's examination of the power
of language, in particular, has been lauded as a key insight into the ways in
which language can shape our perceptions and experiences of the world.
Overall,
"Born a Crime" has been widely regarded as a powerful and moving
memoir that offers a unique perspective on one of the most defining periods of
modern South African history. The book has been a commercial and critical
success, receiving numerous awards and accolades, including being named a New
York Times bestseller.
