Daughter of Ruins

A Novel

De: Yvette Manessis Corporon

Narrado por: Alex Sarrigeorgiou

As seen on GMA * "Start this engrossing, mesmerizing, and loving book and you won't want to put it down." --Adam Glassman, Oprah Daily * "Spellbinding!" --Today.com

Set in the direct aftermath of WWII and spanning the rest of the 20th century, Daughter of Ruins is an all-encompassing tale steeped in the rich history, culture, and myths of Greece. A deeply moving story that follows three women (a prostitute, a mail-order bride, and a young artist) as they struggle to control their destinies, fighting to become the women they were meant to be.

Demitra's mother died in America in the 1930s when Demitra was three years old. Her father took her home to the Greek island of Cephalonia, where she endures a lonely childhood and dreams her dead mother watches over her like the goddesses she reads about in her mythology books. When Demitra comes of age, she refuses to marry the man chosen for her. Instead, she defiantly begins an affair with a forbidden man who ignites her passion for painting the goddesses she once imagined protected her.

Elena is a beautiful Italian woman who dreamed of a life away from the brothels where she was raised. But opportunities are not meant for daughters of prostitutes, and Elena has no choice but to become one herself. When Italy occupies Cephalonia, Elena finds work entertaining the soldiers. Her life on the island is happy and carefree--until the Germans arrive in 1943.

Maria lives in a poor mountain village in 1921 with a loving mother and sister. When her father grows desperate to feed his family, he sends her to America as a picture bride to marry a stranger. Only eighteen years old, Maria is terrified of the journey ahead.

Daughter of Ruins is a powerful tale of three determined and strong women, and it is impossible not to be moved by their journeys. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, mythology, or simply enjoy a compelling story of female empowerment, this book is a must-listen. So why not pick up a copy today and join us on this unforgettable journey to 20th-century Greece?

©2024 Yvette Manessis Corporon (P)2024 Harper Muse

from a granddaughter of a Greek bride...

My maternal grandmother was the exact age as Maria when she was put on a ship from her little goat village in the Peloponnese to America, where she was married to a man she did not know, although her family did. He was 15 years her senior and they lived in a 5th floor cold water walk-up in the Greek town area of Chicago, with 4 additional men (brothers and cousins). She was essentially their indentured servant until she became pregnant and they lived as a family. This story was an accurate depiction of a life we in the US can barely imagine. I wish all of life's travails could be so neatly wrapped up in mostly happy endings, and that is the reason I only gave it 4 stars for story. I don't know that I would have enjoyed it as much without the heritage connections.

Women

Greek society gave birth to tales and myths that shape our culture today. Tales that are reimagined and retold because they are so very relevant to the past and today. This book uses mythology as a backdrop to the story of modern Greek women. It is compelling, at times poignant, and completely relatable. Beginning just at the end of WWII and moving forward, I learned so much about that period and picture brides. It was a fascinating read.

Very Good Historical Fiction

I really enjoyed the cultural and historical aspects of this book woven skillfully through the stories of Greek women. The ending did a great job of intersecting stories of various characters. The one area for improvement was that the book dragged at some points and would have been better if it was more succint. I wouldn't describe this as an uplifting "feel-good" book so if that is what you are looking you might want to pass on this one. It is a very realistic picture of the desperation of some women's lives during that time period tempered with components of joy. If you are a fan of historical fiction I definitely recommend this book.

Daughter in Ruins

Enjoyed this story, filled with so many familiar characters. People I may have grown up with, stories visited of life changing events. I remain in awe of their strength.

Must read for every Greek-American woman

Accurately told historical events wrapped within a beautifully crafted novel and the great narration brought it fully to life

A beautifully heartbreaking story full of Strong Women

This author is incredibly talented. The women and their stories are everyone‘s stories. So real and relatable. I hope she continues to write. We need more stories from her.

The emotion

it took awhile to really connect with this story, but I love it. The life of a child and her family from Greece to American worms its way into the psyche. Well written and narrated.

Great narrator boring story

This story just dragged and dragged. It picked up by the end but it was tough to pay attention to and was never very captivating.

Good Writing Can’t Save a Weak Story

Overly sappy, predictable, and a struggle to finish—I quit with five hours left in the audiobook. The characters’ hardships never made me care, and the Greek setting felt more like window dressing than a vital part of the story.

Most frustrating was the portrayal of childbirth as inherently torturous. In reality, fear and lack of support make it harder—not childbirth itself. Having given birth at home with no medication and strong support, I know it can be intense without being “torture.” I wish more books reflected that truth.

It’s well written, but the characters and their predicaments fall flat, leaving the story feeling more like a formula romance with a postcard backdrop than something with real depth or authenticity.