Born a Crime

Run

Trevor recounts how his mother threw him out of a moving car to save him from potential harm during an altercation with their minibus driver.

Born a Crime

Trevor explains how his very existence was illegal under apartheid because he was the child of a black mother and a white father.

Trevor, Pray

Trevor describes his deeply religious upbringing and his mother’s fierce devotion to faith, which shaped much of his early life.

Chameleon

As a mixed-race child, Trevor learned to navigate various racial and cultural worlds by adapting to different identities and environments.

The Second Girl

Trevor tells the story of how his mother beat the odds to rise out of poverty and become a successful working woman despite the constraints on black women under apartheid.

Loopholes

Trevor recounts how his mother exploited legal loopholes to get him into a better (white) school and gain access to better opportunities.

Fufi

Trevor remembers his pet dog, Fufi, who led a double life, highlighting themes of loyalty and deception.

Robert

Trevor shares his complex relationship with his Swiss father, who was largely absent but made efforts to remain in contact.

The Mulberry Tree

He recalls how he and the neighborhood kids used a mulberry tree as a secret clubhouse, emphasizing his social struggles and efforts to fit in.

A Young Man’s Long, Awkward, Occasionally Tragic, and Frequently Humiliating Education in Affairs of the Heart, Part I: Valentine’s Day

Trevor recounts a Valentine’s Day debacle involving a crush, miscommunication, and a heartbreaking surprise.

Outsider

He describes feeling out of place in every community due to his mixed-race identity, yet using humor and language as tools for survival.

Colorblind

Trevor discovers the nuances of systemic racism and how race shaped interpersonal relationships, particularly in school.

A Young Man’s Long, Awkward... Part II: The Crush

Trevor’s hopeless romantic streak gets him into another awkward situation as he tries to woo a girl beyond his social reach.

The Cheese Boys

Trevor befriends a group of wealthy kids who flaunt money and status, prompting him to reflect on class and identity.

The World Doesn’t Love You

His mother warns him about the world’s dangers, teaching him hard truths about society’s harsh treatment of black boys.

My Mother’s Life

Trevor tells the story of his mother’s resilience, rebellious spirit, and unshakable strength throughout apartheid and beyond.

The Chip

He recounts his first steps into the criminal underworld, selling pirated CDs and learning street smarts.

My Father’s House

Trevor finally reconnects with his father as an adult, culminating in a meaningful yet bittersweet reunion.