34 pages • 1 hour read
Intimate Apparel
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Book Brief
72
Play • Fiction
New York City • 1900s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage centers on Esther, a 35-year-old African American seamstress in 1905 Manhattan who dreams of opening a salon. Her life changes when she begins exchanging letters with George, an African Caribbean laborer working on the Panama Canal. She also shares mutual, unspoken feelings with Mr. Marks, a Jewish fabric seller. Esther eventually marries George, leading to unexpected challenges.
Melancholic
Emotional
Romantic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,338 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lynn Nottage's play, Intimate Apparel, is lauded for its nuanced portrayal of race, gender, and class in early 20th-century America, highlighted by compelling characters and rich, emotive dialogue. Critics praise its emotional depth and historically rich context, though some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it’s an evocative exploration of intimate human experiences.
Who Should Read Intimate Apparel?
Readers who relish Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel are likely captivated by emotionally rich, character-driven narratives set against historical backdrops. Fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple or Toni Morrison's Beloved will appreciate Nottage's exploration of race, gender, and personal dreams within early 20th-century America.
1,338 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mrs. Dickson
Mrs. Dickson
Esther's landlady and surrogate mother figure in New York who offers life experience and pragmatic views on love and marriage.
Mrs. Van Buren
Mrs. Van Buren
A wealthy white woman bound by social conventions, who befriends Esther and shares her vulnerabilities amidst her oppressive marriage.
Mr. Marks
Mr. Marks
A Romanian Orthodox Jewish fabric salesman who shares a sincere connection with Esther over their mutual appreciation for beautiful textiles.
Mayme
Mayme
A talented pianist and sex worker who is pragmatic about love and intimacy but secretly dreams of becoming a concert pianist.
George Armstrong
George Armstrong
Esther's love interest, initially presented through romantic letters, who contrasts sharply with his real-life persona.
72
Play • Fiction
New York City • 1900s
2003
Adult
18+ years
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