Trevor Noah’s autobiography, Trevor Noah: Born A Crime, shows how in South Africa, being “colored” (now known as mixed) was illegal because it showed the reproduction of a black person and a white person. Throughout the book, Noah shows what life was like growing up “colored,” the hardships he went through, the positives to come from it, and how he looks back on what he used to be.
At first, I was not a major fan of the book because it is an autobiography; however, he uses his personality to convey how he must have acted or felt in these situations. He makes himself more relatable and likable because he goes through situations that are pretty common for most people somewhere. From heartbreaks to getting in trouble with his mom, Patricia Noah, he makes being a child normal. That said, the book is quite influential if you look for the deeper meaning.
Trevor Noah: Born A Crime is more than a book about someone’s life- it brings awareness to those who are different and considered outsiders, which he references often. Growing up, being “colored” was not only illegal, but was new and something not many South Africans had seen. This caused bullying, greater self-awareness, and self-doubt for Noah.
He explains his hardships to the reader to show people how what they say, do, or think can impact someone, despite that being their intent. Everyone bleeds the same, and we should acknowledge that. Yes, people may look different, but once you get to know them, they usually aren’t so different after all.
It is an interesting book with good morals and themes displayed in humorous and relatable ways, which makes it easier to understand and read.
