Cover of Born A Crime

Memoir

Born A Crime

4.5 out of 5, from 1,167 ratings from Hardcover readers

Comedian Trevor Noah tells of growing up in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa as the child of a Black mother and white father, a relationship that was then illegal, and of his fierce mother.

Facts last checked 2026-10-17

First published
1986
Pace
Fast
Length
Short
Pages
288
Format
Standalone

Read this if you want a funny and humane memoir that also explains apartheid's reach.

Skip this if you want a strict chronology or avoid stories of domestic violence.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Racism
  • Domestic violence
  • Abuse

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Domestic abuse
  • Animal cruelty
  • Child abuse
  • Alcoholism

Quick answers about Born A Crime

What is Born A Crime about?
Comedian Trevor Noah tells of growing up in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa as the child of a Black mother and white father, a relationship that was then illegal, and of his fierce mother.
Who should read Born A Crime?
Read it if you want a funny and humane memoir that also explains apartheid's reach. Skip it if you want a strict chronology or avoid stories of domestic violence.
How long and how fast is Born A Crime?
It is a fast-paced, short read of about 288 pages, first published in 1986.
Does Born A Crime have content warnings?
Content we flag: Racism, Domestic violence, Abuse.
Can I borrow Born A Crime for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Born A Crime; the borrow button above searches it for you.

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Memoir

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