Born a Crime: Trevor Noah

The only reason I picked up this book was because it was part of Bill Gates famous book list of the year – 2017 I think. Otherwise I wouldn’t know who is Trevor Noah?

After reading the book – you feel all your family members should read it and all your close friends – people for whom you care and especially those who are growing up or have children’s who are growing up.

It’s a memoir, but it’s just not a memoir.  Let me explain.

It’s about South Africa, apartheid and it’s effect on the society. As you read it you realize how little you actually know about apartheid and it’s effect. Yes, there was this movie Gandhi – which all of us must have seen every republic / Independence Day since it was made in which Gandhi is thrown out of the train. And Nelson Mandela of course.

The book demystifies the South Africa he grew up – which was apartheid and after apartheid. Life in the ghettos, lives of extreme poverty he grew up in, the divide between white, black and coloured. How the divide played out in society, school, police, government etc. It’s written in a very witty way which I am guessing is his craft (stand up comedian) so while you understand the reality and feel sad about the impact of apartheid in a child and a family living in SA, you still enjoy reading it. Trevor educates on SA before every chapter – whether it’s numerous languages spoken or which are the stronger tribes and how it affects everyone around.

While the book is all about Trevor and his growing up, it’s also about his mother who seems to be his shining star / mentor and many thing else.

(Written on 18^th Feb 2019)