Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

The book starts light-hearted the same way young Trevor takes his life. He takes it as a fact, to be a born crime, somehow different from the rest of the family. As the author Trevor Noah puts his childhood into perspective - with entertaining anecdotes and insights. Many stories in the book create a mix of emotions to process. I needed often day-long breaks where I was just reflecting over a story.

Nearly every story brings a broader understanding of Apartheid and the struggles in South Africa. It makes you understand how unfair everything was set-up by design. How it evolved from colonialism to a modern police state - and eventually felt apart.

The book is well written and combines personal life with the day-to-day history of South Africa in a unique way. Whether you find Trevor interesting or the history of South Africa, this is a book for you.

The book starts with a very light tone despite the circumstances. It paints a happy picture. The last chapter hits like a punch in the gut and tbh I cried while reading it. Trevors memories are vivid, beautiful and help to understand another country maybe a little bit better. I've already enjoyed him as a talkshow hoast and his thoughts, but this book makes me appreciate him even more.
Definitely recommended, even if you don't know or care for Trevor Noah. Just a great memoir.