Born a Crime

By Trevor Noah

Born a Crime is Trevor Noah’s informative, moving account of growing up in apartheid South Africa. The “crime,” being the son of a Swiss father and an Xhosa mother, was punishable by five years in prison. Because of his parents’ indiscretion (the “crime”), Trevor, as a youth, was kept mostly indoors for the duration of apartheid to escape the government’s detection. Infrequent visits to his father were carefully planned to avoid detection.

 The end of apartheid brought freedom to mother and son who, despite their limited means, relished their independence.  Trevor proved to be a mischievous, yet resourceful boy, ever capable of turning a difficult situation to his advantage.  The story unfolds to reveal his multiple adventures and, more importantly, the significant role played by his remarkable mother’s unconditional, yet tough love in shaping the development of his invincible spirit.

 In telling his story, Trevor provides the reader with a detailed, personal account  of what it was like to grow up in the twilight years of apartheid South Africa, during a period of tribal strife and racism – a must read for anyone interested in a compelling personal history.

 Reviewed by Susan Barron