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.

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

- Ruined won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2009, marking Lynn Nottage as the first African American woman to win the award twice.
- The play is inspired by interviews with Congolese women who survived civil war, reflecting Nottage's deep commitment to bringing lesser-known human rights issues to the stage.
- Ruined had its world premiere at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in 2008, and its critical success led to subsequent productions in various major theaters across the United States.

**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.

**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.

Lynn Nottage

Adult

Play

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Ruined reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Ruined | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Ruined and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Ruined

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Ruined?

Reading Age

Book Details