Norwegian Wood vs. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Norwegian Wood
Toru, a serious young college student in Tokyo, is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman, but their mutual passion is marked by the tragic death of their best friend years before. As Naoko retreats further into her own world, Toru finds himself drawn to a fiercely independent and sexually liberated young woman. Stunning and elegiac, Norwegian Wood first propelled Haruki Murakami into the forefront of the literary scene.
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
'Norwegian Wood' is a poignant and introspective novel that delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships, making it a profound literary experience. In contrast, 'Born a Crime' is a humorous memoir that offers a comedic yet insightful look into Trevor Noah's upbringing in South Africa, characterized by its engaging storytelling and relatable humor. The choice between the two depends on whether you prefer a deep, reflective narrative or a light-hearted, comedic memoir.
'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 engaging audiobook experience. 'Norwegian Wood', while a beautifully written novel, is typically read in print or e-book format and may not offer the same level of engagement as an audiobook. Therefore, if you're looking for an engaging listening experience, 'Born a Crime' would be the better choice.
'Norwegian Wood' has a serious and melancholic tone, exploring deep emotional themes and the impact of loss on relationships. In contrast, 'Born a Crime' balances serious themes of race and identity with humor and wit, making it more accessible and entertaining. If you are looking for a serious literary work, 'Norwegian Wood' would be the preferred choice.
'Norwegian Wood' is a novel by Haruki Murakami that follows the story of Toru, a serious college student in Tokyo. The plot revolves around Toru's devotion to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman. Their relationship is deeply affected by the tragic death of their best friend years before. As Naoko withdraws further into her own world, Toru becomes attracted to another woman who is fiercely independent and sexually liberated. The novel is known for its elegiac and stunning prose, and it played a significant role in propelling Murakami into the literary spotlight.
Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author known for his unique blend of fantasy, realism, and surrealism. His works often explore themes of loneliness, existentialism, and the human psyche. Some of his most famous books include 'Norwegian Wood', 'Kafka on the Shore', and '1Q84'. Murakami's writing has garnered a global audience and has been translated into numerous languages.
'Norwegian Wood' delves into themes such as love, loss, and mental health. The novel explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of past traumas on the present. It also touches on the struggles of dealing with grief and finding one's own identity amidst emotional turmoil.
'Norwegian Wood' is significant in Haruki Murakami's career as it was the book that brought him widespread recognition and propelled him into the forefront of the literary scene. The novel's emotive and introspective narrative resonated with a large audience, establishing Murakami as a leading voice in contemporary literature.
'Norwegian Wood' contains mature themes, including mental illness, suicide, and sexual content. While it is a beautifully written novel, it may not be suitable for all readers, particularly younger audiences or those sensitive to such topics. Readers should consider these elements before deciding to read the book.
'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.
