Born a Crime

Noah’s search for identity is a constant theme throughout the memoir. How does Noah’s identity change throughout the book, and how is this identity connected to race?

By the end of the memoir, it’s clear that Noah’s mom is the most influential person in his life. Describe the relationship between Noah and his mother. How does their relationship help shape his identity?

In Chapter 18, Noah talks about the difference between his mother’s “Old Testament discipline” (262) and Abel’s physical abuse. What is that difference? And how does it influence Noah’s understanding of violence?

In Chapter 7, Noah tells the story of Fufi. What is the purpose of this story? And how does it shape Noah’s understanding of relationships?

In Chapter 17, Noah quotes Nelson Mandela: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart” (236). Explain the relevance of this quote in Noah’s life.

Noah makes a distinction between the hood and a government-sanctioned ghetto using Alexandra and Soweto as examples. What are the main differences between these two neighborhoods? And how do these differences reflect the varying aspects of Noah’s identity?

How does Noah’s mom, Patricia, defy racial and gender conventions, both during and after apartheid?

Religion plays a major role throughout the memoir. How does religion both unite and divide Noah and his mom?