Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. The Book Review
- India Rose
- Dec 23, 2024
- 5 min read
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to laugh, cry, and learn about history all at the same time, Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime is the book for you. It’s a brilliant memoir that somehow manages to tackle heartbreaking topics like apartheid, racism, and poverty while still being outrageously funny.
Set in South Africa during the twilight of apartheid, this book isn’t just a glimpse into Trevor’s life but a masterclass in storytelling, culture, and resilience.
The Heart of the Story
The book begins with a bang—quite literally—with Trevor quoting the law that made his very existence illegal. Born to a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss father, Trevor was a living, breathing crime under apartheid. The memoir navigates his precarious childhood, where he straddled racial divides, often feeling like he didn’t belong anywhere.
One of the many things I love about this book is how Trevor doesn’t just tell his story; he tells South Africa’s story. From the bizarre and cruel realities of apartheid—like the “pencil test” to determine race—to the deep divisions between Zulus and Xhosas, Trevor paints a vivid picture of a country grappling with its past and present.
But what makes this book shine is his knack for turning the bleak into the absurdly funny. For example, there’s the time his family pushed their car like the Flintstones to save on fuel, or when he pooed indoors and sparked a family witchcraft investigation. It’s these moments of humour that soften the heavy realities he’s describing.
Trevor’s Mother: A Force of Nature
If Trevor is the star of this book, his mother Patricia is the MVP. Brave, fearless, and deeply devout, she defied apartheid laws and societal expectations at every turn. She flouted the rules by having a child with a white man, raised Trevor to think critically and act boldly, and survived the unimaginable. She’s the kind of woman who jumps out of moving minibuses with her son to escape danger, prays for a miracle with a gun in her face, and laughs with Trevor about it all later.
Their relationship is the heart of the book. Patricia’s faith and determination gave Trevor the foundation he needed to thrive, even when the odds were stacked against him.
Favourite Themes and Lessons
Humour as Survival: Listening to the audiobook narrated by Trevor himself felt like sitting in on one of his stand-up shows. It was laugh-out-loud funny, even when the stories were heartbreaking. This ability to find light in the darkest moments is a recurring theme and a testament to the human spirit.
Language as Power: Trevor’s multilingualism allowed him to navigate South Africa’s rigid racial divides. As he says, “I might not look like you, but if I speak like you, I am you.”
Privilege and Opportunity: Through stories like his CD-pirating hustle, Trevor explores how privilege isn’t just about money—it’s about having the tools and knowledge to make the most of your talents. It’s a reminder that real equality isn’t just teaching a man to fish; it’s giving him the rod and the pond, too.
Black Tax and Generational Cycles: Patricia’s struggle to support her family and then making the decision to cut them off, highlights the burden many black South Africans face. It’s a raw, honest discussion about how one person often has to break the cycle of poverty, even if it feels harsh to leave others behind.
Love and Ownership: The story of Fufi, Trevor’s dog, broke me. “You do not own the thing you love.” It’s a powerful lesson about relationships, trust, and letting go.
Favourite Quotes
Noah’s sharp observations and his ability to distil profound truths into memorable phrases make the book endlessly quotable. Some of my favourites include:
"Zulu went to war with the white man. The Xhosa played chess with the white man. For a long time, neither was particularly successful. Then apartheid fell, Mandela walked free, and black South Africa went to war with itself."This perfectly encapsulates the internal struggles of post-apartheid South Africa, highlighting how colonial oppression sowed seeds of division.
"The white man will say to the natives: ‘You need to pray to Jesus; Jesus will save you.’ The native replies: ‘We need to be saved—saved from you.’"A biting commentary on the role of religion in colonialism and oppression.
"You do not own the thing you love."This lesson, delivered through the heartbreaking story of Trevor’s dog Fufi, speaks to the impermanence of relationships and the importance of letting go.
"Being chosen is the greatest gift you can give another human being."A touching moment during Trevor’s reunion with his father, underscoring the universal human need to feel wanted.
"Trevor, you are OK. Go and wash up. You are hurt emotionally, but you are not hurt."Spoken by Patricia after a terrifying ordeal, this line reflects her indomitable spirit and her ability to find strength even in the bleakest moments.
Memorable Scenes
The book is packed with unforgettable moments that range from laugh-out-loud funny to deeply moving:
Trevor’s Flintstones-like morning ritual of pushing the car to save fuel.
His refusal to use the outhouse, leading to a family crisis over “witchcraft.”
The chaotic scene involving a dancer named Hitler at a Jewish kids’ party, which hilariously highlights cultural gaps in understanding.
The story of Trevor shoplifting, getting away with it because the CCTV overexposure made him look white—an absurd example of racial privilege.
The harrowing tale of domestic abuse involving Patricia and her miraculous survival, which Noah recounts with a blend of sorrow and humour.
My Takeaway
Memoirs and autobiographies aren’t usually my cup of tea, but this book blew me away. Born a Crime doesn’t feel like a memoir—it feels like an experience. This book was funny, enlightening, and full of humanity. And Trevor’s writing style? Chef’s kiss. He sets the scene with a bit of history, so by the time the punchline or plot twist comes, you’re fully immersed.
There is not one bad thing I can say about this book.
If you would love to read this book or give it to another person as a gift, I have embedded links into various forms of the book below. Here are ways to buy this book:
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a history buff, a comedy lover, or just someone who enjoys a good story, this book is a must-read. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.
If you loved this review, head over to my blog Read Read Rant for more bookish musings and reviews. Let’s talk books, culture, and all the stories that keep us turning pages. Until next time, happy reading!
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