A Memoir of Humor and Hardship

Born a Crime is Trevor Noah’s powerful memoir of growing up in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa.

With humor, candor, and sharp storytelling, Noah reflects on his childhood as the mixed-race son of a Black South African mother and a white European father – an existence that was literally illegal under apartheid laws.

Through a blend of poignant personal stories and comedic insight, the book captures both the absurdity and brutality of systemic racism while celebrating resilience, love, and the indomitable spirit of his mother.

“I was born a crime. When my mother was pregnant, the law said she could be thrown in jail for five years for having me.”
– Trevor Noah

From Comedy Stage to Literary Voice

Since its release in 2016, Born a Crime has been widely acclaimed by critics and readers alike. Praised for its mix of humor and gravity, the memoir resonated globally, becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller. It has been lauded as both an intimate coming-of-age story and an accessible account of apartheid’s lasting impact.

The book cemented Noah’s voice not just as a comedian, but as a thoughtful commentator on culture and race, and it continues to be used in classrooms and book clubs as a text that sparks meaningful conversations.