Down and Out in Paris and London vs. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Down and Out in Paris and London
by George Orwell an expedition into who people are and what life is
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood is Trevor Noah’s autobiography, published in 2016. It tells the story of his early years growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. The title comes from the fact that his birth—he had a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss-German father—was literally considered a crime under apartheid laws that banned interracial relationships at the time. The book is a mix of humor and tough truths. Much of it focuses on Trevor’s relationship with his mother, Patricia, who plays a huge role in his life. She’s portrayed as tough, religious, and fiercely independent—someone who dragged him to multiple church services every week, even during times of violence and unrest. Her strong influence shapes his character, often through strict discipline and sharp lessons about right and wrong. Trevor shares stories from his childhood that range from funny to intense. There’s a scene where his mother throws him out of a moving minibus to save him f...
Reviews
Reviews
Reviewed on 2/25/2025
I'm a sucker for audiobooks read by the author and this is one of them. Trevor Noah is a skilled comedian and his stories of his growing up in South Africa are genuinely hilarious. It's like listening to a book-length stand up show.
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Frequently Asked Questions
'Down and Out in Paris and London' by George Orwell offers a deep exploration of life and society, focusing on the struggles of the impoverished in two major cities. In contrast, 'Born a Crime' by Trevor Noah is a humorous and engaging memoir that recounts the author's experiences growing up in South Africa, delivered in a comedic style. The choice between the two depends on whether you prefer a serious social commentary or a light-hearted, comedic narrative.
'Born a Crime' is narrated by Trevor Noah himself, which adds a personal touch and enhances the comedic elements of the stories, making it an enjoyable audiobook experience. On the other hand, 'Down and Out in Paris and London' is typically read in a traditional format, which may not offer the same level of engagement as a performance by the author. If you enjoy audiobooks read by the author, 'Born a Crime' may provide a superior listening experience.
'Down and Out in Paris and London' is a memoir by George Orwell that explores the lives of impoverished individuals in two major European cities. The book combines Orwell's personal experiences with a broader social commentary on poverty and class.
George Orwell is the author of 'Down and Out in Paris and London'. He is best known for his novels '1984' and 'Animal Farm', which critique totalitarian regimes and explore themes of social injustice and political corruption.
'Down and Out in Paris and London' explores themes such as poverty, class disparity, and human resilience. Through his vivid descriptions and encounters, Orwell sheds light on the struggles faced by the marginalized populations of Paris and London.
'Down and Out in Paris and London' is significant because it provides a raw and unfiltered look at the lives of the poor and destitute in early 20th-century Europe. Orwell's firsthand experiences and empathetic narrative make it a powerful social commentary on the conditions of the underprivileged.
'Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood' is Trevor Noah’s autobiography that recounts his early years growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. The book explores themes of race, identity, and resilience, focusing on his relationship with his mother and the challenges they faced due to the apartheid laws that deemed his very existence a crime.
Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, television host, and political commentator, best known for hosting 'The Daily Show' on Comedy Central. He gained international fame for his insightful and humorous takes on current events, and his autobiography 'Born a Crime' has been widely praised for its storytelling and humor.
Pros of 'Born a Crime' include that it is read by Trevor Noah himself, making it an engaging audiobook experience. Many listeners find it funny and appreciate its easy listening quality. There are currently no cons listed for the book.
'Born a Crime' has an engaging and warm ambiance, as Trevor Noah uses humor to navigate serious topics. His storytelling style creates a relatable and entertaining atmosphere, making listeners feel as though they are part of his journey.
Readers have praised 'Born a Crime' for its humor and authenticity. Many enjoy listening to the audiobook version, especially since it is narrated by Trevor Noah himself, which adds a personal touch to the stories he shares about his childhood in South Africa.
