32 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
96
Play • Fiction
Congo • 2000s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Ruined by Lynn Nottage is set in a bar and brothel run by Mama Nadi in an unnamed mining town in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid war over natural resources. The play explores themes of survival and resilience through the lives of Mama Nadi, her girls, and their patrons, who navigate the violence and trauma of war while finding moments of beauty and selflessness. Explicit scenes of sexual violence appear in the play.
Dark
Emotional
Mysterious
Challenging
Gritty
4,284 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lynn Nottage's play, Ruined, offers a poignant and heart-wrenching portrayal of women's struggles in war-torn Congo. Critics praise its powerful storytelling, strong character development, and emotional depth. However, some feel the pacing drags in parts. Overall, it is lauded for its raw authenticity and impactful narrative.
Readers who appreciate intense, thought-provoking narratives focusing on resilience and survival in the face of conflict will enjoy Lynn Nottage's Ruined. Fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple or Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns will find similar themes of female empowerment and the human spirit's endurance.
4,284 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Josephine
In her early twenties, Josephine is one of Mama Nadi's girls and carries herself with pride as a village chief's daughter despite now working in a brothel, forming bonds and rivalries with those around her.
Sophie
An eighteen-year-old and Christian's niece, Sophie is new to Mama Nadi's bar and is notable for her beauty, intelligence, and singing talent, maintaining her hopefulness after a traumatic past.
Salima
At nineteen, Salima arrives at Mama Nadi's bar bearing the marks of imprisonment by rebel soldiers, and she navigates the complexities of her new life as one of Mama Nadi's workers.
Christian
In his early forties, Christian is a travelling salesman and recovering alcoholic who forms a unique connection with Mama Nadi and shows deep concern for his niece Sophie and her friend Salima.
Mr. Harari
A Lebanese diamond merchant in his early forties, Mr. Harari is a regular visitor to Mama Nadi's bar and engages with both Josephine and Mama Nadi, offering perspectives and promises.
Jerome Kisembe
A rebel leader whose visits to Mama Nadi's bar with his soldiers are marked by his unpredictability and capacity for violence.
Commander Osembenga
A high-ranking government military leader tasked with opposing Kisembe, who interacts with Mama Nadi and her patrons, displaying both charm and intimidation.
Fortune
A government soldier and Salima's husband, determined to find her at Mama Nadi's bar while grappling with their shared past.
Simon
A government soldier and Fortune's cousin, who accompanies him to Mama Nadi’s establishment and attempts to counsel him regarding Salima.
Laurent
A government soldier and Commander Osembenga’s assistant, who is present when Kisembe’s presence at Mama Nadi’s is brought to Osembenga’s attention.
Rebel Soldiers
Under Kisembe’s command, they frequently visit Mama Nadi's bar, known for their rowdy and aggressive demeanor.
Government Soldiers
Regular patrons of Mama Nadi’s establishment who, like the rebels, exhibit unruly behavior.
Aid Worker
Helps Mr. Harari by offering transport to Uganda, hurrying to leave amidst growing tensions at Mama Nadi’s bar.
96
Play • Fiction
Congo • 2000s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.