Born a Crime

Chapter 1 : Run
Trevor begins with a dramatic incident where his mother throws him out of a moving car to save his life. This chapter introduces the dangers of life in South Africa and highlights his mother’s quick thinking and courage.
Chapter 2 : Born a Crime
Trevor explains how his birth itself was illegal under apartheid because his mother was Black and his father was White. He explores racial classification, identity, and how being mixed-race made him an outsider everywhere.
Chapter 3 : Trevor, Pray
This chapter focuses on Trevor’s mother’s deep religious beliefs. Sundays are spent attending multiple church services, teaching Trevor discipline, faith, and patience—though he often resents it as a child.
Chapter 4 : Chameleon
Trevor learns that language is power. By speaking multiple languages, he can blend into different groups. This ability helps him survive socially and avoid conflict.
Chapter 5 : The Second Girl
Trevor describes his complicated relationship with his stepfather Abel and his mother’s independence. It shows the early warning signs of an abusive relationship.
Chapter 6 : Loafing
Trevor struggles in school and becomes lazy after doing well early on. This chapter reflects on lost motivation and how success without effort can lead to complacency.
Chapter 7 : Fufi
A humorous yet emotional story about Trevor’s dog, Fufi. The chapter reveals how love doesn’t guarantee loyalty and serves as a metaphor for relationships.
Chapter 8 : Robert
Trevor’s relationship with his absent White father is explored. Though rarely present, his father teaches Trevor valuable life lessons about responsibility and calmness.
Chapter 9 : The Mulberry Tree
Trevor tells a funny story about accidentally destroying a neighbor’s tree, leading to punishment. It highlights childhood innocence and discipline.
Chapter 10 : A Young Man’s Long, Awkward, Occasionally Tragic, and Frequently Humiliating Education…
Trevor enters adulthood unprepared for real-world responsibilities. He shares awkward mistakes and lessons learned through failure.
Chapter 11 : Colorblind
Trevor examines racism and how “not seeing color” can be harmful. He explains how ignoring race ignores lived realities.
Chapter 12 : Fool’s Gold
Trevor discusses his time selling pirated CDs and learning street business. It reflects his early entrepreneurial mindset and moral gray areas.
Chapter 13 : Go Hitler!
One of the most famous chapters. Trevor unknowingly names his dance group “Hitler,” showing how ignorance of history can create absurd but dangerous situations.
Chapter 14 : Valentine’s Day
Trevor recounts a disastrous attempt to impress a girl, highlighting teenage insecurity, gender roles, and emotional immaturity.
Chapter 15 : The Cheese Boys
Trevor joins a tough group at school to survive bullying. This chapter explores masculinity, violence, and peer pressure.
Chapter 16 : The World Doesn’t Love You
Trevor’s mother teaches him a harsh truth: the world owes you nothing. This becomes one of the book’s most powerful life lessons.
Chapter 17 : Just Be Cool
Trevor gets involved in crime and faces serious consequences. The chapter shows how easily survival choices can turn dangerous.
Chapter 18 : My Mother’s Life
The most emotional chapter. Trevor describes the domestic abuse his mother suffers and how she survives being shot by Abel. It is a tribute to her strength and resilience.