‘That’s the thing about roots, isn’t it? There are the ones that are visible to us and the ones that are hidden from sight. One is no more important than the other. They both sustain us. They both give life and connect us to the people and places that mean the most. —Yvette Manessis Corporon, Daughter of Ruins

Story: 3.5
Audio: 3
Narrator: Alex Sarrigeorgiou
Available: Hoopla

This was just ok for me. Read a lot like a Kristian Hannah novel; as in, everything that could go wrong does. I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more if it had stayed focused on one issue rather than squeezing tid bits of issues into one story. I was very interested in learning more about the ‘picture wives’ and wish that had been focused on more. Narration made these issues much more melodramatic which added to my slow emotional withdrawal from the characters plights. For this reason I would recommend reading the hard copy version rather than audio.

Have to add that the cover art is beautiful, but doesn’t really represent the story.

Listen at 1.35 speed.

I absolutely loved the setting. Though I've never been to Greece, I could picture it all with the vivid descriptions. The author did a great job bringing the country and culture to life.

I have to confess that the second part of the novel, set in America, didn't hold my interest as much. The story lines weren't as compelling and the ending felt a bit rushed. I really did like the POV of Demitra's mum and finding out what happened to her.

I thoroughly novels set in Greece, so this sounded like the perfect listen to me. Daughter of Ruins unfolds through Demitra, her mother Maria, and Elena, spanning decades of love, loss, and resilience. I found their journeys fascinating, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. The three interwoven stories drew me in and I fell in love with them and the strong women featured in each one.

So I messed up. I waited until the day before archive to hit "read now" on this book and forgot to open it on my Net Galley Shelf App. And it was archived before I remembered. It has been haunting me ever since. I try to be so on it with my reviews but I messed up. So I requested the audiobook from my local libraries. After some copies were acquired, I made my way through the queue and finally got it. I had to wait for the audiobook so I could give this review.

Threading the lives of three women in Greece spanning from the 1920s to the 1950s, the reader is transported into the lives of these three amazing women.

I was fully engrossed in this story, running the full gambit of emotions. I highly recommend this historical fiction.

Thank you to Net Galley, Harper Muse, and Harper Collins Focus for the ALC. All opinions are my own!

Daughter of Ruins is a heartfelt intriguing and captivating story of three women during the first half of last century. I appreciate the character development and how smoothly the author integrated the events of world history with the story line. Also, how Greek mythology came to life in a relatable way. Such an interesting read.

My Bookish Thoughts 💬
I absolutely adore Kefalonia and novels set in Greece, so this sounded like the perfect read/listen to me. Daughter of Ruins is a sweeping dual-timeline novel set in Kefalonia, Corfu, and the USA.

The story unfolds through Demitra, her mother Maria, and Elena, spanning decades of love, loss, and resilience. I found their journeys fascinating, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. The depiction of both the tight-knit island community and the Greek-American experience is beautifully rendered, offering insight into the struggles of men and women across generations.

Demitra is a standout character—loving, resilient, and deeply talented. She pursues her dreams with determination while always considering those she loves.

Alex Sarrigeorgiou’s narration is stunning, bringing each character to life with distinct and authentic voices.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Big thanks to Net Galley, Harper Muse, and Yvette Corporon for the gifted digital audiobook in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏼

I absolutely loved this book. I think that Yvette Manessis Corporon did an excellent job with the story. The novel was based on the story of Demitra, and the way it was written made the story haunting and heartbreaking. I was hooked from the beginning, and I could not put it down. I will admit that this story was so beautifully written that it stayed with me long after I finished reading. I can't wait for more from this author. I highly recommend this book to the Greek Mythology readers out that as well as historical fiction. Also, the narrator did an amazing job bringing the story to life.

Thank you Net Galley ARC, Harper Muse/Harper Collins, and Yvette Manessis Corporon.

I absolutely LOVED Daughter of Ruins! I couldn’t stop listening to this one. This was set in the Greek Islands with a lot of references to Greek mythology. I didn’t know much about the Greek islands, and found myself researching the events that occurred during the timeline of this historical fiction to learn more about the events.

While there were three female POVs, I was fully invested in Demitra’s (although the way they intertwined was lovely).

When I say I loved Daughter of Ruins, I mean, I loved it so much that I bought a paperback copy as a holiday gift for a friend who also enjoys historical fiction books. (That might be one of the biggest compliments that I can give a book.)

Thank you to Yvette Manessis Corporon and HarperCollins focus/Harper Muse for the advanced audiobook (narrated by the brilliant Alex Sarrigeorgiou) via NetGalley.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Yvette Manessis Corporon’s Daughter of Ruins is a sweeping historical novel that masterfully intertwines the lives of three women across decades, bound by their struggles, resilience, and shared longing for freedom. Steeped in the myths, history, and culture of Greece, the novel offers a vivid exploration of identity, destiny, and the courage it takes to defy societal expectations. With a compelling narration by Alex Sarrigeorgiou, this audiobook is as immersive as it is poignant.

The Characters
The three protagonists—Demitra, Elena, and Maria—are richly drawn and distinct, their individual stories woven into a larger narrative tapestry.

Demitra is an artist at heart, her defiance and creative spirit making her a captivating figure. Her journey from a lonely childhood on the island of Cephalonia to an affair that fuels her artistic passion feels raw and relatable. Her connection to Greek mythology adds a beautiful layer of symbolism, reflecting her inner turmoil and strength.

Elena, born into a life of hardship as the daughter of an Italian prostitute, faces a brutal reality but carves out fleeting moments of happiness amidst the chaos of war. Her story, particularly during the Italian and German occupation of Cephalonia, is both heartbreaking and heroic, offering a sobering look at the cost of survival.

Maria is a young woman thrust into an uncertain future as a mail-order bride in America. Her innocence and fear are palpable, and her journey underscores the sacrifices many women made in the face of desperation and poverty.

Themes and Setting
The novel’s strength lies in its ability to transport the reader. The richly detailed Greek landscapes, interwoven with mythology, create a vivid and almost mystical backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the harsh realities faced by the characters. Themes of resilience, agency, and the enduring power of hope run throughout, making the novel both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

The exploration of cultural identity and the influence of history—both personal and political—adds depth to the narrative. From the German occupation during World War II to the experiences of Greek immigrants in America, Daughter of Ruins captures the complexity of these women’s lives against the backdrop of significant historical events.

Narration
Alex Sarrigeorgiou’s narration enhances the storytelling with her emotive and versatile performance. She breathes life into each of the protagonists, imbuing their voices with distinct personalities while maintaining a consistent tone that ties the stories together. Her ability to convey the emotional weight of the characters’ experiences makes the audiobook particularly engaging.

Favorite Moments
Demitra’s painting of the goddesses: A powerful reflection of her defiance and self-expression, these scenes are steeped in emotion and symbolism.
Elena’s transformation during the war: Watching her navigate the shifting dynamics of occupation and resistance is both harrowing and inspiring.
Maria’s first encounter with her husband: The tension and vulnerability of this moment encapsulate her fears and hopes for her new life.
Critiques
While the novel is immersive, its scope occasionally works against it. Some transitions between the three storylines feel abrupt, and certain plot points could have benefited from more development. Additionally, the resolution of some character arcs may feel rushed or less satisfying compared to the meticulous buildup.

Final Thoughts
Daughter of Ruins is a beautifully written and evocative tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. It celebrates the strength of women while acknowledging the weight of their struggles. Fans of historical fiction and character-driven narratives will find much to admire here. With Alex Sarrigeorgiou’s compelling narration bringing the story to life, this audiobook is a moving and immersive journey through history, myth, and the resilience of the human spirit.

A love letter to the extraordinary strength of ordinary women. All these characters had so much depth, their relationships so much dimension. The author blends the joy of love, community and family with the horrors of war, violence and loss to create a story that's both hopeful and tragic in equal measure. One of the best historical fictions I've read this year.

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

I listened to the audiobook of Daughter of Ruins, I listened to this on x1.25 speed because I couldn't get on the the slowness of the narration. Once I did this I enjoyed listening

Daughter of Ruins took me to post-World War II Greece. I have to admit that I did not know much about Greece's history, but I enjoyed learning about it and its people.

This wasn't a fast-moving story with lots happening. It is Demitra's story from childhood onwards, including the lessons she learns, the relationships she forms, and her experiences dealing with the good and the bad that happen to her. There is tragedy and loss, but also happiness and hope.

Two timelines eventually are linked and the story goes between Greece and the USA.

I was surprised by how absorbed I became in Demitra's story and how much I wanted things to turn out happily for her and her friends and family. I didn't quite get the ending I wanted but I was still happy with it.

Daughter of Ruins by Yvette Manessis Corporon was a captivating historic fiction novel that explored the lives of three women. One was born in the United States but returned to her Greek roots with her father at a young age when her mother died. Another had been Italian but was living in Greece during the years the Nazis invaded Greece and the third had been born into a poor Greek family and was sold by her father as a war bride. All three women were brave, daring and courageous in their own right. I enjoyed following their lives, challenges and obstacles they faced throughout their lives. Their destinies and fates were tragic and sad. It was a hard time to be a woman. Their choices and opportunities were so restrictive. I enjoyed all the references to Greek mythology that accompanied these three women’s journey through their lives. It was difficult to pull myself away from this enthralling audiobook. Demitra’s, Elena’s and Maria’s stories were heartfelt, touching and moving. I really enjoyed listening to Daughter of Ruins by Yvette Manessis Corporon and recommend it highly.

Thank you to Harper Muse for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Daughter of Ruins by Yvette Manessis Corporon through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

4.5 Stars! What a beautiful but heartbreaking story. Dimitra was a wonderful character and showed character development through the book. Many of the characters felt so real and also flawed in the ways people are and should be in books. A lot of history is covered and we follow Dimitra through heartbreak after heartbreak. For a little bit I was thinking wow can one character really go through so much? But the way the author connects her story and shows her life and the beauty that can come from life I really enjoyed it. It also opened me up to the history of Greece briefly during WW2, and also the mail order brides from Greece. Highly Recommend!

Overall 4.5 STARS. This review is for the audiobook version. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced audiobook.
This story follows 3 women, with varying timelines; a mother's POV, and that of her daughter. There is another woman whose life is intertwined with that of the daughter. A story that spans Greece to America.
The narrator provided excellent narration, and I enjoyed hearing the book even more spoken in the correct dialect.
This is the story of 3 women, each navigating life in Greece and/or America, often in the face of poverty, misogyny, or abuse. There is a bit of historical fiction, including Greek Picture Brides and how Greeks were subject to racism and terror by the KKK in America.
I enjoyed the storyline involving our FMC in America, her drive to succeed, her never-lowering standards when it comes to love and her friendship with black characters. The storyline of the Greek and Black Americans facing the same racism added an element of history that is not often written about.
The story starts a little slow in the beginning, but it picks up in the middle and at that point, it is a well-paced story.

This book is a beautifully written story about a young girl growing up, figuring out who she is and finding herself. It is a book with alternating timelines and I absolutely loved how everything came together and at the same time was heartbroken by it.

Set mainly in the Greek village of Cefalonia and the Island of Corfu, we follow Demitra, who grew up without her mother always missing that maternal role. Her father is very distant and Demitra is struggling with the strict cultural views of the role of women in the 1950s and her own dream of becoming an artist.

I was fully invested in Demitra's story from the very beginning. The author has a way of pulling you in, feeling for the characters and describes the greek culture in a way that you can envision it perfectly. The narrator of the audiobook also did a fantastic job and made me just want to continue listening.

The book shed's light on a part of history that unless you are from Greece or of greek heritage you might have never heard about. So I would recommend the book to everyone who loves historical fiction and wants to read about a timeperiod and historic events that isn't often a topic or theme in books (at least for me I hadn't before heard of books focusing on this history).

Three women during different time periods whose stories intertwine. During a time of a lack of female rights and social status. These woman face the not so pleasant aspects to this time frame. A truthful powerful read with strong bonds of friendship.

Demitra is a young passionate artist who dreams of Greek goddesses. When she becomes of age, her father chooses her future husband. Being a strong female not happy with the man choosen for her, Demitra refuses.

Elena is only destined to one career path, the one she was born into "woman of the night." She is treated by men just that. Being closed off to others she finds herself warming up to a few new girl friends. Their struggles and trauma connect them more ways than one.

Maria is the first story to take place out of the three. She is sold for a little bit of money to feed her family back home and shipped off on a long journey as a photo bride. Forced to marry a man she knows nothing about. On the journey she befriends other photo brides. They eagerly await their futures. Some leaving troubled pasts others terrified of what's to come.

Daughter of Ruins (audiobook) by Yvette Manessis Corporon
Brave women of history have had to exert great courage to change the course of their existence, many had no voice until someone gave them one by telling their stories.

This story tells the tale of 3 women, a motherless daughter, an Italian prostitute, and a mail order “picture bride” from Greece.
Demitra was born in America and was taken back to Greece when her mother died. She spent her childhood buried in mythology looking for her mother in the stories of goddesses. As a young woman she refuses an arranged marriage and instead has an affair with a forbidden man who ignites her passion for art. In her art, she brings new Greek goddesses to life.
Elena was raised around Italian brothels and failed to escape becoming a victim to that fate. When Italy occupied Cephalonia, Greece, she was sent to entertain soldiers. Her life changed when the .Germans arrived in 1943.
Maria was from a poor Greek village, where her father struggled to feed the family. He sent her to America to marry a stranger as a”picture bride”. At 18, she was terrified of the life she was forced into and mourned the one she left behind.

This story is steeped in culture and history with a compelling tale of resilience and survival. Our fates are often shaped by the struggles we endure. I enjoyed reading about these extraordinary women who had no voice until someone put pen to paper and gave them one,

This was an outstanding book! I was captivated with the stories of the three women.
The narrator did a phenobarbital of telling their story from the pages of this wonderful book! This was a slow burn initially, I honestly had a little bit of a struggle connecting with the story and characters in the beginning. Once I got a feel for their interconnections and the story line, I was completely captivated and I wanted to listen until the end!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the opportunity to view and ARC of this book!

3.5 rounded up to 4.

Daughter of Ruins has an intriguing storyline! Three women beginning life at a disadvantage and bravely struggling to accept or hopefully reach beyond their situations.

I don’t know much about Greek Gods/Goddesses so it was eye opening to me. I found it interesting that both the belief in Greek mythology and the Greek Orthodox Church could blend together so easily.

Reading this book reminded me of how blessed I am to live when I do and not in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s when these women did. They had no rights and were treated as possessions. Their suffering was mainly due to being women. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I’ll just say that wealth and class only had a bit to do with their misfortunes.

I liked Demitra’s a character the most. I was invested in her story and was eager to find out what her future would bring.

There were only two things that kept me from giving it 5 stars. One was that each character was super emotional. I found myself longing for their dialogue to be over. Some of this could be due to the audio narrator I was listening to. She was highly emotional and I felt she overdid the voices. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I would have read it instead of listening.

I also found some of the plot unbelievable, to me, and wanted to roll my eyes when I saw things coming that the characters should have but didn’t.

Overall, I liked the story. I found myself looking up the places and landmarks that were found in the story. There was plenty of rich history involved and now I want to learn more!

Many thanks to Yvette Manessis Corporon and HarperCollins focus/Harper Muse for the ARC vía NetGalley!!!

The Daughter of Ruins is a historical fiction novel that spans several decades in the 20th century mainly based in Greece. This story does jump around a lot but it still makes sense when normally this does nothing for a book but cause chaos.

This novel follows 3 woman whose lives are intertwined. Demetria, a motherless daughter. Elena, an Italian prostitute, and Maria, a mail-order bride. These women are brave and try to change their fates.

Demetria, who has an artist's spirit in a time and place that finds such things impractical. This talent ended up paying dividends in the end, by finding her the information she had been looking for, all of her life.

From start to finish you will find yourself happy, sad, angry, hopeful, but mostly you will find yourself believing in them as well as women as a whole. Because if they can endure and go against the grain during that time period, then we can now.

Daughter of Ruins
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was sooooo GOOD! It is Heartbreaking & will pull at your heart strings. Take a ride to cheer on woman trying to survive & make a better life. They continue on under all obstacles put in their way. A powerful story to continue on no matter what tries to stop you!!! To push forward beyond all the grieve, secrets, & hardships. A must read story!
Thank you NetGalley!