What’s it about?
For many, Trevor Noah needs no introduction – he is a successful South African comedian and current host of The Daily Show. For me, I knew little about the man before downloading this audiobook; I was simply looking for my next listen and decided to pick one of The Audible Essentials (basically the Audible Editors selections of the best of the best on Audible).
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. In Born a Crime, Trevor shares stories of growing up in South Africa during the twilight of apartheid. These stories include subsisting on caterpillars for dinner during hard times, being thrown from a moving car during an attempted kidnapping, and simply trying to survive the life-and-death pitfalls of dating in high school.
Is the narrator any good?
Trevor Noah provides the narration which elevates this audiobook from what is already a terrific memoir into something really special. Trevor is a natural storyteller – skilled, engaging, and relatable – and his ability to embody the characters and perform different accents makes the book come alive.
The verdict?
This audiobook is hilarious, dramatic, and deeply affecting. I loved listening to Trevor tell his story of surviving – and thriving – in South Africa (with the help of his astonishingly fearless mother). Stop reading this review and just start listening already! Note: this audiobook is an Audible Exclusive meaning you won’t find it at other retailers.
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Bonus – An Interview with Trevor Noah
Below is a great Q&A Trevor Noah did with Audible to discuss the audiobook of Born a Crime. Noah reveals the greatest gift his mother ever gave him, and what his writing process was like as he wrote his memoir.
