LOST SOMETHING?

No. reviewers 840K+
Rating 4.5 - 4.6
90%+ rated 4 or 5 stars 

Born a Crime is Trevor Noah’s memoir, recounting his life growing up in apartheid South Africa. Born to a Black mother and a White father, his very existence was considered a crime under the country’s racially segregated laws.

In the book, Noah shares personal stories from his childhood and adolescence, offering a unique perspective on race, identity, and survival. The narrative explores the complexities of his relationship with his mother, who played a significant role in shaping his character, and reflects on the broader societal issues of apartheid, poverty, and the struggle for equality. With sharp wit and poignant moments, Noah delivers a story that is both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.

What reviewers loved

Humour and Wit: Readers consistently praised Noah’s ability to tackle heavy topics with humour and light-heartedness. His unique comedic voice allowed him to engage readers while addressing difficult and painful subjects.

Insightful Look at Race and Identity: The book offered a powerful exploration of race, identity, and the impact of apartheid. Reviewers appreciated Noah’s personal reflections on being mixed-race in a deeply segregated society and how he navigated the complexities of his identity.

Strong Relationship with His Mother: Many readers found Noah’s relationship with his mother particularly moving. His stories about her strength, resilience, and influence on his life resonated deeply with many, and reviewers appreciated the affection he expressed for her.

Engaging Storytelling: Noah’s storytelling style was praised for its engaging and vivid nature. His ability to weave together humour, history, and personal anecdotes made the book an enjoyable and accessible read.

Historical and Cultural Context: The book’s insights into South African history and culture were highly regarded. Readers found the historical background of apartheid and its aftermath informative and well-explained, enhancing the personal narrative.

Relatable Themes of Struggle and Resilience: Many readers found Noah’s reflections on overcoming adversity relatable. His experiences of navigating hardship, poverty, and the complexities of family life resonated with a wide range of readers.

Emotional Depth: Despite its humour, the book did not shy away from deep emotional moments. Readers admired how Noah managed to balance light-heartedness with moments of genuine vulnerability, especially in his accounts of his struggles with his family and society.
 
Humour Occasionally Undermines Serious Themes: Some readers felt that Noah’s use of humour sometimes overshadowed the gravity of the subjects he was discussing, particularly when addressing the trauma of apartheid or the harsh realities of his childhood. They wished for a more serious tone in some parts of the book.

Pacing Issues in the Middle: A few reviewers noted that the pacing of the book slowed in the middle sections. While the early chapters were engaging and fast-paced, the book’s rhythm seemed to lose momentum at times, particularly when it delved into more personal stories without tying them directly to the broader political context.

Focus on Personal Experiences Over Broader Commentary: Some readers felt that the memoir was too focused on Noah’s personal story and didn’t provide enough broader commentary on the political or social implications of apartheid or post-apartheid South Africa. While they appreciated the personal anecdotes, they wanted a more comprehensive exploration of the systemic issues Noah was writing about.