Born a Crime

Stories from a South African Childhood

By: Trevor Noah

Narrated by: Trevor Noah

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

The compelling, inspiring (often comic) coming-of-age story of Trevor Noah, set during the twilight of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed.

One of the comedy world's brightest new voices, Trevor Noah is a light-footed but sharp-minded observer of the absurdities of politics, race and identity, sharing jokes and insights drawn from the wealth of experience acquired in his relatively young life. As host of the US hit show The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, he provides viewers around the globe with their nightly dose of biting satire, but here Noah turns his focus inward, giving listeners a deeply personal, heartfelt and humorous look at the world that shaped him.

Noah was born a crime, son of a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother, at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison. Living proof of his parents' indiscretion, Trevor was kept mostly indoors for the first years of his life, bound by the extreme and often absurd measures his mother took to hide him from a government that could, at any moment, take him away.

A collection of 18 personal stories, Born a Crime tells the story of a mischievous young boy growing into a restless young man as he struggles to find his place in a world where he was never supposed to exist. Born a Crime is equally the story of that young man's fearless, rebellious and fervently religious mother - a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence and abuse that ultimately threatens her own life.

Whether subsisting on caterpillars for dinner during hard times, being thrown from a moving car during an attempted kidnapping, or just trying to survive the life-and-death pitfalls of dating in high school, Noah illuminates his curious world with incisive wit and unflinching honesty. His stories weave together to form a personal portrait of an unlikely childhood in a dangerous time, as moving and unforgettable as the very best memoirs and as funny as Noah's own hilarious stand-up.

Born a Crime is a must-listen.

©2016 Trevor Noah (P)2016 Audible Ltd.

An amazing performance of a riveting story

Would you consider the audio edition of Born a Crime to be better than the print version?

For Non-African people unfamiliar with African culture, the performance of the audiobook by Trevor Noah imparts the heart of the book more than it might if it was read off the pages. Trevor Noah is funny, heartfelt & vigorous.

What did you like best about this story?

The amazing turn of events and the author as we know today, managing to escape that life and being where he is now.

What about Trevor Noah’s performance did you like?

The book deals with multiple cultures ranging from European to African and languages of different African tribes. It is likely very few people can bring the book to life & one of those people is Trevor Noah.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it is RIVETING. But it is 8 hours.

Any additional comments?

Very satisfied with this audiobook.

Brilliant Story Told By Comedy Genius

I read the book then heard he is the narrator of his own book and i listened to it all over again.
Trevor Noah is the type of person that makes every bit of a story funny even when it shouldn't be.

Loved it..... Amazing

This was a really great story..... loved it. Trevor Noah had me laughing, crying and amazed by the experiences he has gone through in his early life.

Perfect. Just perfect.

Storytelling was engaging from the start to the end. Trevor's narration was filled with emotions, if made you feel as if you're there during the key parts of his lives. A mix of humor, suspense and despair, the whole experience was a roller-coaster ride filled with emotions for me. Trevor really put his heart and soul in this Audiobook. 10/10 would recommend this Audiobook to others.

Great story and reading by Trevor Noah

Hearing Trevor read this with his excellent language and accent talent makes it excellent.

Overall a great story for anyone who wants to understand the dynamics and complexities of growin up or living in South Africa during the 90s.

I could listen forever

I love Trevor's story telling, learning about his life, and listening to his voice. I wish this book were twice as long.

Was sad when it finished

What a perfect blend of life remembrance, honesty and drama from Trevor Noah told only in a way he could. It felt like a movie I didn't want to end and I'd actually want to hear the rest of the story about his life as a comedian and moving to America.

Entertaining, reflective, honest

Trevor's narration added so much life to his stories. Felt like he was re-living those memories and you are somehow pulled in and living it with him.Definitely, a must-buy!

Amazing

A great read indeed. He paints his family in such a relatable way and it's amazing. Just Wow

Trevor killed it

Loved it so much, I am going to start again. Very colorful life our young Trevor has lived