Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
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Author : Trevor Noah
Publisher : John Murray
Published date : 17 Nov 2016
Genres : History
About the Book
Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
The compelling, inspiring, and comically sublime New York Times bestseller about one man’s coming-of-age, set during the twilight of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed. Trevor Noah’s unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show began with a criminal act: his birth. Trevor was born to 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 earliest 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, steal him away. Finally liberated by the end of South Africa’s tyrannical white rule, Trevor and his mother set forth on a grand adventure, living openly and freely and embracing the opportunities won by a centuries-long struggle.
Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man’s relationship with his fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother—his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life.
The eighteen personal essays collected here are by turns hilarious, dramatic, and deeply affecting. 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, Trevor illuminates his curious world with an incisive wit and unflinching honesty. His stories weave together to form a moving and searingly funny portrait of a boy making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time, armed only with a keen sense of humor and a mother’s unconventional, unconditional love.
Source: penguinrandomhouse.ca
About the Author
Trevor Noah
a few words
Trevor Noah is a renowned South African comedian, television host, political commentator, and best-selling author. Born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Noah has made a significant impact on the global entertainment scene with his unique comedic style, insightful commentary, and engaging storytelling.
Early Life and Background:
Trevor Noah's early life was shaped by the complex socio-political landscape of apartheid-era South Africa. Born to a Xhosa mother and a Swiss-German father, his very existence was considered illegal under apartheid laws. Despite the challenges, Noah navigated his way through a diverse range of cultural influences, languages, and identities, laying the foundation for his later comedic exploration of race, identity, and social issues.
Comedy Career:
Noah's entry into the world of comedy began in his early twenties when he started performing stand-up comedy in South Africa. His unique ability to blend humor with astute observations on race, politics, and societal norms quickly gained attention. He gained popularity for his insightful yet accessible commentary, allowing audiences to laugh while also reflecting on deeper issues.
International Success:
Trevor Noah's international breakthrough came when he performed on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" in 2012, marking his introduction to American audiences. Subsequently, he made appearances on various talk shows and comedy specials, showcasing his versatility and charisma. In 2015, he took over as the host of "The Daily Show," succeeding Jon Stewart. Noah's tenure as the host has been marked by a fresh perspective, intelligent analysis, and a global approach to political satire.
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