32 pages • 1 hour read
Ruined
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Book Brief
96
Play • Fiction
Congo • 2000s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
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
Reviews & Readership
4,284 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read Ruined?
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
96
Play • Fiction
Congo • 2000s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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