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32 pages 1 hour read

Ruined

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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Lynn Nottage

Ruined

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Congo • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.4

4,284 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.4

4,284 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Mama Nadi

A strong, independent woman in her early forties, who is both the business-savvy proprietor of a bar and brothel and a complex figure displaying moments of cruelty and generosity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A rebel leader whose visits to Mama Nadi's bar with his soldiers are marked by his unpredictability and capacity for violence.

A high-ranking government military leader tasked with opposing Kisembe, who interacts with Mama Nadi and her patrons, displaying both charm and intimidation.

A government soldier and Salima's husband, determined to find her at Mama Nadi's bar while grappling with their shared past.

A government soldier and Fortune's cousin, who accompanies him to Mama Nadi’s establishment and attempts to counsel him regarding Salima.

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.

Under Kisembe’s command, they frequently visit Mama Nadi's bar, known for their rowdy and aggressive demeanor.

Regular patrons of Mama Nadi’s establishment who, like the rebels, exhibit unruly behavior.

Helps Mr. Harari by offering transport to Uganda, hurrying to leave amidst growing tensions at Mama Nadi’s bar.

Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Congo • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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