Book Review: “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Funny, poignant, and heart-breaking by turns, Trevor Noah’s memoir “Born a Crime” is an enlightening journey into coming of age in South Africa. The fabric of his memories include the towering strength of his mother, the insanity of Apartheid, and being a downright naughty child.

By means of full disclosure, I have to say that I am a big Trevor Noah fan. I love the Daily Show, and I laugh myself silly watching Trevor Noah’s comedy bits. Great stuff. Having said that, this memoir is cut from a different cloth. Funny, yes, but it is also powerful and deeply moving.

An added benefit of this memoir is an inside view of what Apartheid was, and how it impacted the lives of those living under those heinous government-imposed racial barriers. We are living in a time when, tragically, racial divides seem to be growing. “Born a Crime” serves as a milepost, and a reminder, of what racial injustice can to to a people, a family, and a childhood.

“Born a Crime” is well-written, funny, and poignant. What else can you ask of a memoir? Highly recommended.

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Marco Etheridge

Marco Etheridge is a writer of prose, an occasional playwright, and a part-time poet. He lives and writes in Vienna, Austria. His work has been featured in over one hundred reviews and journals across Canada, Australia, the UK, and the USA. His story “Power Tools” has been nominated for Best of the Web for 2023. “Power Tools” is Marco’s latest collection of short fiction. When he isn’t crafting stories, Marco is a contributing editor for a new ‘Zine called Hotch Potch. In his other life, Marco travels the world with his lovely wife Sabine. Website: https://www.marcoetheridgefiction.com/