Born a Crime Book Quiz

Born a Crime

"Born a Crime" is a memoir by South African comedian Trevor Noah, detailing his upbringing under apartheid rule in South Africa. Originally published on November 15, 2016, the book has spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times' Best Seller list. It was awarded the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.

Background

Trevor Noah was born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the height of apartheid. His mother was a black South African and his father was a white Swiss national. Under apartheid laws, the interracial union was illegal, and their relationship was considered a "crime". This is the central theme of the book's title and sets the tone for the challenges Noah faced growing up in a country defined by racial segregation and discrimination.

The Book

"Born a Crime" is divided into three parts. The first part, titled "The Government", describes the political landscape of the time and the impact it had on Noah's upbringing. The second part, "The Family", explores the dynamics of his family, particularly his mother and grandmother, who played pivotal roles in shaping his character. The third part, "The Crime", delves into Noah's experiences with crime and violence, both as a victim and a perpetrator.

Reception and Impact

The book has been praised for its candidness and insight into the harsh realities of growing up in apartheid South Africa. It has been described as "a riveting memoir of the daily struggle to survive" and "a poignant coming-of-age story". The book has also been used as a tool for educating people about the history of apartheid and the impact it had on generations.

Adaptation to Film

The book has been adapted into a film, with Trevor Noah himself playing the lead role. The film is an adaptation of his memoir, "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood".