Read Notes

Born a Crime

Author - Trevor Noah

In this candid memoir, Trevor Noah recounts his experiences growing up in apartheid-era South Africa as the child of a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss-German father—an illegal union at the time. Through a series of humorous and poignant essays, Noah explores themes of identity, race, and resilience, offering readers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in history.

Genre - Humor

Notes: Born a Crime

(•) Trevor Noah was born a crime in 1984, as his mixed-race existence was illegal under apartheid South African law.
(•) His mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, was a fiercely independent and religious Xhosa woman who defied societal norms.
(•) His father, Robert, was a quiet, Swiss-German man who agreed to have a child with Patricia despite the legal risks.
(•) Trevor spent his early years hidden indoors or only with his mother, pretending to be a white child visiting her for fear of arrest.
(•) Patricia intentionally chose a white father for Trevor, believing it would give him opportunities she never had.
(•) His mother's deep Christian faith led them to attend multiple churches daily, exposing Trevor to diverse communities and languages.
(•) Trevor learned to navigate different racial groups by mastering their languages, a skill his mother shrewdly insisted upon.
(•) They lived in Soweto with his maternal grandmother, Frances, in a small house shared by many family members.
(•) Trevor describes his grandmother's unique discipline, including her refusal to hit him and her use of "the look."
(•) A significant childhood memory is the "poop incident," where he defecated in the house, leading to a humorous and embarrassing ordeal.
(•) Patricia was an unconventional mother, often pushing Trevor to experience the world and encouraging his independence from a young age.
(•) Trevor recounts being thrown from a moving minibus taxi by his mother during a dangerous encounter, highlighting her protective instincts.
(•) He attended a multiracial, Catholic primary school, where he often felt like an outsider due to his unique background.
(•) The end of apartheid brought a wave of hope but also new challenges, as South Africa grappled with its post-segregation identity.
(•) Trevor’s mother moved them to Highlands North, a formerly white neighborhood, to give him access to better schools and opportunities.
(•) He struggled to fit in with black children who saw him as too white, and white children who saw him as too black.
(•) His unique position allowed him to observe the absurdities and divisions of racial categorization from a detached perspective.
(•) Trevor found his niche as a "class clown" and a social chameleon, using humor and language to bridge gaps.
(•) He details his early entrepreneurial ventures, including burning custom CDs for classmates during high school.
(•) This CD burning business, though illegal, taught him about supply, demand, marketing, and the value of music.
(•) Trevor describes the vibrant Kwaito music scene and how it became a unifying force for young black South Africans.
(•) He became a successful DJ, organizing parties and gaining popularity among different racial groups in the townships.
(•) His mother, Patricia, was a strict disciplinarian but also immensely supportive of Trevor's talents and ambitions.
(•) Trevor's relationship with his father, Robert, was quiet and distant but built on mutual respect and occasional, meaningful visits.
(•) Robert’s restaurant in Johannesburg served as a quiet sanctuary where Trevor could connect with his father over food.
(•) Trevor reflects on the importance of seeing his father later in life, realizing Robert had kept photos and followed his career.
(•) He recounts an incident where he, with friends, stole a car for a joyride, leading to a tense encounter with the police.
(•) This experience highlighted the dangers of township life and the fine line between mischief and serious crime.
(•) Trevor describes his first girlfriend, Maylene, and the awkwardness of young love in a culturally diverse setting.
(•) The book explores the concept of "black tax," where successful individuals are expected to support their extended families financially.
(•) Patricia's resilience is a recurring theme, as she constantly worked to improve her life and Trevor's, often against great odds.
(•) She taught Trevor the value of education, financial independence, and never relying on a man for support.
(•) Trevor's mother eventually married Abel, a mechanic who initially seemed kind but became increasingly abusive.
(•) Abel's alcoholism and possessiveness escalated, creating a tense and fearful environment for Patricia and Trevor.
(•) Trevor moved out of his mother's house as an adult, pursuing his DJing career and trying to establish his independence.
(•) He recounts a humorous story of trying to break into a home through a window, only to realize it was his own house.
(•) The constant threat of violence from Abel loomed over his mother's life, despite her attempts to leave him.
(•) Patricia sought help from the police, but the system often failed to protect women from domestic violence effectively.
(•) On Easter Sunday 2009, Abel shot Patricia in the head and then at Trevor, who was also present.
(•) Miraculously, Patricia survived the shooting, with the bullet passing through her head and missing her brain.
(•) Trevor was also shot at, but the bullet missed him, grazing his back as he ran for help.
(•) Abel was arrested and convicted of attempted murder, receiving a relatively lenient sentence.
(•) Patricia's incredible recovery and forgiveness of Abel demonstrated her extraordinary strength and faith.
(•) Trevor grapples with his mother's forgiveness, finding it difficult to reconcile with the violence she endured.
(•) The book highlights the lingering issues of gender-based violence and the slow pace of change in post-apartheid South Africa.
(•) Trevor reflects on the power of language to connect, divide, and shape identity, calling it his "greatest tool."
(•) He realizes that his unique upbringing, though challenging, gave him a profound understanding of human nature and society.
(•) "Born a Crime" is a testament to the enduring love between a mother and son, and the sacrifices made for a better future.
(•) Trevor's story is ultimately one of resilience, humor, and the search for belonging in a world defined by artificial boundaries.
(•) The book concludes with a poignant tribute to his mother, Patricia, the true hero of his story.