Born a Crime by Trevor Noah | A Book Review
Explore our in-depth book review of 'Born a Crime' by Trevor Noah. Discover the themes, insights, and personal stories that make this memoir a compelling read. Dive into the experiences that shaped Noah's life and the broader implications of his narrative.
BOOK REVIEWSMONTHLY STATEMENTS
Born a Crime is a #1 New York Times Bestseller written by Trevor Noah, the host of The Daily Show, a renowned program that has won more than 20 prestigious primetime Emmy Awards over its excellent run. The book, which is profoundly engaging and thought-provoking, has received critical acclaim from a diverse range of readers, industry experts and reputable institutions alike. It is worth noting that the book is currently being adapted into an exciting film by Paramount Players, featuring the talented Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, which has raised immense anticipation among fans and critics alike.
The book is divided into three sections and further subdivided into 18 insightful and engaging chapters. The author begins his narrative by recounting a frightening occurrence in which his mother, in a moment of apparent desperation, threw him out of a moving minibus. She dreaded that the driver, who was showing erratic behavior, was trying to kill them. This particular incident, although fear-provoking, is presented in an exciting and comedic way by Trevor that leaves readers chuckling. The narrative provides a fascinating glimpse into Trevor's childhood, where every chapter follows a similar entertaining and engaging flow. With every frustration, struggle, suffering and pain, Trevor has an incredible knack for making even the darkest moments funny and fantastic. He is not just an excellent writer; he is also an extraordinary storyteller with a unique ability to connect with his audience.
Ever imagined a life whereby it is constitutionally illegal to engage sexually with someone from a particular race? Well, it did exist, and Trevor's narrative sheds light on this harsh reality. The author begins his captivating story by quoting the immorality Act of 1927, which illegalised interracial marriage during the harsh and turbulent apartheid era in South Africa. With his mother being black, and his father white, Trevor Noah represents the product of an illegal relationship, and this complex heritage forms the very basis for the book’s provocative title.
The book interweaves a series of delightful vignettes from Trevor’s early experiences growing up in a divided society, while also offering enlightening reflections on South Africa’s tumultuous history, effectively killing two birds with one stone. His mother stands at the very core of the narration. She is the unwavering source of his inspiration, strength, and resilience. She endures many hardships throughout her life, but her incredible zeal to provide for her children blurs all challenges she faces. She works tirelessly and instills this ambitious spirit within Trevor through both discipline and encouragement, laying a strong foundation for his future success.
Trevor’s mother disciplined him strictly, instilling values that would guide him throughout his life. In most incidents involving discipline, Trevor uses amusing and exciting details, making them humorous and easy for readers to visualize. For instance, he states how his mother would literally throw anything she could grab in his direction. However, if she threw something that could break, Trevor was instructed to catch it and put it down gently, as breaking anything would only fuel the beating he feared. Despite the strict disciplining he endured, Trevor maintained a very close and loving relationship with his mother, showcasing the complexities of their bond and the lessons he learned along the way.
Due to his light skin color, Trevor faced significant challenges both at school and in the neighborhoods he grew up in. He found himself not fully fitting into any specific social group, which only compounded his feelings of isolation. The black children considered him too white to be accepted among them, while the white children regarded him as too black to belong with them, leading to a dichotomy that was difficult to navigate. As a result, he frequently encountered bullying and often found himself without close friends. This profound sense of alienation serves as a stark reflection of how apartheid and colonisation shaped the lives of South Africans, reinforcing the harsh realities of a divided society.
While in high school, Trevor sought out innovative ways to make a living. He began selling pirated CDs and even placing lunch orders for his fellow students as a means of earning some extra cash. After finishing high school, he continued to pursue his CD business and took on various roles as a DJ, driven by necessity after lacking the funds to attend university. He goes on to narrate about how he became embroiled in a life of crime as he struggled to make ends meet, lost in a world of choices that often led him astray. In a particularly poignant moment, he describes the traumatic experience of how his stepfather shot his mother in both the leg and the head. Miraculously, she survived, demonstrating an incredible resilience, only spending a few days in the hospital before recovering against all odds.
The book serves as an excellent source of inspiration for those who have gone through moments of deep frustration and seemingly endless struggles. The truth of the author’s birth—a crime in itself since interracial marriage was illegal—highlights the societal issues that still resonate today. He faced not only the hardships of poverty but also the insidious effects of segregation. The fact that his mother was shot in the head by his step-father adds a level of tragedy that highlights the chaotic backdrop of Trevor's childhood. Yet, it is this very adversity that did not shake his potential; instead, it propelled him to grow up and ultimately become one of the best comedians in the world, hosting The Daily Show—a program that is recognized as one of the best-rated and most-watched Late Night Talk shows in the United States. Reading this compelling book feels incredibly inspiring and motivating, igniting hope and determination in the hearts of many.
Interestingly, the book has been named among the best books of the year by numerous high-profile publications, including National Public Radio, The New York Times, Booklist, among others. The far-reaching acclamation from well-established entities serves as a testament to its extraordinary quality; the very accolades that should serve as an impetus for you to obtain a copy and immerse yourself in an entertaining yet enlightening piece of work.
Fascinatingly, the book is an incredibly easy read that captures a wide array of emotions and delivers utmost excitement. Even for those who rarely indulge in literature, this work would prove to be hard to put down once you open the first page and get lost in Trevor’s extraordinary world and experiences.
With his eye-opening, humorous, and deeply moving story, Trevor Noah is not just discussing life in an abstract sense; he is actively teaching the reader invaluable lessons about resilience, identity, and the power of laughter. Want to learn and laugh at the same time? Born a Crime is truly the answer you’ve been searching for!