Daughter of Ruins

Daughter of Ruins by Yvette Manessis Corporon is a poignant dual-time narrative set in Greece and the United States. The author artfully weaves together Greek mythology and art with the post-war travails of everyday Greeks, brave women, arranged marriages, and the heartbreaking cost of human trafficking. This page-turning historical novel entertains us, even as it moves, and educates us.

The novel’s engaging protagonists are Maria (‘past’ - 1920s) and her daughter, Demitra (‘present’ – 1940s onwards). Raised by her ‘Baba’, Pericles, Demitra mourns the loss of the mother she barely remembers, after her father returned with her from Milwaukee to his home island of Cephalonia. There, left to struggle with her Baba’s unaccountable hostility, Demitra writes letters to her mother, whom she’s recast as a goddess from Greek myth. Compelled to create, Demitra loves nothing better than to sketch the beauty around her. Baba has no tolerance for his daughter’s gift, instead determining to marry her off to the hapless Niko as soon as possible.

Niko is but one of several beautifully constructed supporting characters who provide a convincing picture of Greek community life in this challenging period. Stella was another one of my favourite characters, together with Demitra’s cousin Sophia, her husband, Tino, and family, who offer Demitra an escape route from Baba’s single-minded plans. I appreciated the author’s skill in balancing conflict and injustice with the warmth and generosity of people of goodwill.

Eleni is another trafficking victim, condemned by the bigotry of the era to follow her mother into the sex industry. Her story intersects with Demitra’s when Eleni accompanies Italian soldiers to Cephalonia during their occupation of the island during World War II.

Twenty years prior, Maria’s story is interwoven strategically with Demitra’s. Unknowingly tricked into posing for a photograph by her father, Maria finds herself shipped off to the United States with other hapless Greek girls — some as young as fourteen — as ‘picture brides’ for Greek emigrants in search of a wife. The girls’ fear and bewilderment are masterfully depicted, even more so as we follow Maria’s journey into her marriage with Pericles. Pericles is a difficult character to like, but it must be said that the author does a superb job in calibrating his story arc as well.

Love and loss, creation, and devastation, run through this riveting story. The unifying device of Greek myth is a clever one, sensitively portrayed, and doesn’t overpower the narrative or require any prior knowledge by the reader. But it’s the central triad of women — Maria, Demitra, and Eleni — who are the driving force of this warm and compassionate novel, which I recommend whole heartedly.

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

I could easily read this again and it is not often I say that about a book! I cannot wait to own a physical copy of this book when it is published. It is such a beautiful novel saturated perfectly in Greek culture and my senses were alight based on the descriptions.

The women in this novel are all 'ruined' in different ways, whether physically or because society deems them to be, yet they have so much beauty and power. They have an enduring strength against so much adversity and I loved seeing them take back control of their destiny.

Greek mythology is weaved through the story and any fans of female figures in Greek mythology will love this.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book - it will stay with me for a very long time.

If you are looking for a really well written Greek book. This one is for you. It was unique and the main characters were very love able and I would highly recommend this book!

This is a dual-time novel of 3 strong Greek women A motherless daughter. An Italian prostitute. A mail-order bride. Woven within this tapestry is Greek mythology, which no story set in Greece would be left out. Demitra's mother died in America in the 1930s when Demitra was three years old. She was brought back to Greece by her father and is now living with her “Baba.” In 1943 we are introduced to Elena a beautiful Italian woman who is a prostitute and until the Germans arrived she was entertaining Italian soldiers. Maria lives in a poor mountain village in 1921 and is sent to America as ‘picture bride’ for Greek emigrants in search of a wife. With a cast of supporting characters this book is an emotional read that takes into account love, loss as well as the rich history of Greece and its myths. Three women who find it difficult and have to fight to find what their lives were really about Told in a most sensitive and compassionate way, I am giving this story 5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC...highly recommended.

A brilliantly depicted historical novel that handles the indignities and triumphs in the lives of three Greek women, each grappling with the ruins of her innocence and dreams and how to establish her own identity. Over two timelines, their lives intertwine against the rich setting of Greece with its myths and social mores. Both tragic and uplifting, the author deftly paints a beautiful and poignant picture of family, love and the strength of the human spirit. This novel will be felt deeply by readers and should be savored.

My new favorite Yvette Manessis Corporon book! I didn’t think anything could top Where the Wandering Ends, but Daughter of Ruins has done it!

You’re taken on an epic journey through the life of Demitra, whose story is as captivating as it is heartbreaking. A story of love, loss, and the enduring strength of women who defy stereotypes and overcome the odds. A testament to the power of love— its ability to uplift and to devastate. Demitra is relatable and inspiring and her resilience and determination are powerful.

With a vivid description of Greece you’re transported to the ancient ruins, and the vibrant seascapes of the Mediterranean. You can almost feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, see the bright blue of the Sea, and smell the salt air. The setting came to life, I felt like I was there.

I couldn’t stop turning the page- hooked from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down.

A must read for fans of Greek mythology, strong female characters , and beautiful settings.

The story lingers in your mind & heart long after you’ve turned the last page.

This is a great story that touches on so many historical genres. A motherless daughter, prostitution, love over seas, WWII and more. It is a story that will stay with me for a long time.

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

“Daughter of Ruins” by Yvette Manessis Corporon was an epic and enduring journey about three remarkable Greek women. It is impossible not to become fully immersed into their tragic and difficult lives. The author uses Greek mythology in a brilliant fashion to show their strength and their ability to navigate through tremendous adversity. This book is one that I will remember for a long time, I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

What an absolutely beautiful tribute to family, second chances, and making your own magic. I feel like my heart has been thrown in a wood chipper but in the best way possible. The shifting perspectives and timelines painted the strokes of a gorgeous story that was as bright and beautiful as it was heartbreaking. I felt the pain and the joy along with each turn. This is a must read - I can’t wait for friends and family to be able to read it.

Sad and yet triumphant! Demetria, Maria, and Elena’s stories are a hard look at how little Greece changed during and after WWII.

Phenomenal! Greek historical fiction is new to me, and despite being unsure when I first started reading, this book pulled me right into its web. You meet three women, all born in different decades/generations, who share commonality in their experiences. The characters are easy to love (or despise), the pace builds nicely, the author does a great job of describing the scenery so that it feels like you’re there. I also really enjoyed the mythology that is mixed into the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC.

This will be out on October 8 and I highly recommend you grab a copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC of Daughter of Ruins!

I have to admit, it’s been a while since I picked up a historical fiction novel, and I wasn’t sure if it would capture my interest—but I was pleasantly surprised!

A bit of background: I’m Greek-Canadian, born in Canada but raised in Athens. My father immigrated from Greece to Canada in the mid-60s for a better life. Although Daughter of Ruins is set post-WWII, I felt chills reading about the hardships portrayed, as they reminded me of the challenges my father faced as a young adult.

This story was incredibly moving, and it transported me to the islands of Corfu and Cephalonia—both of which I highly recommend visiting! I devoured the book in one sitting, eager to see how Demitra's life would evolve, especially after the devastating earthquake of 1953.

Thank you again, NetGalley and Harper Muse, for this advanced copy of #DaughterOfTheRuins!

This author is my go-to when learning about Greece’s history, and her latest is a wonderful example of an emotional and heartfelt tale of secrets, love, and friendship. I learned so much about unknown to me history like the Greek picture brides and the Great Kefalonia earthquake of 1953. I love how Corporon weaves together the timelines and characters to uncover a thread that ties them all through history. And I especially love learning about the Greek culture, traditions, and food through her descriptive writing. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Daughter of Ruins by Yvette Manessis Corporon is a book I will not soon forget. This dual timeline novel was a fast read for me, as Corporon immersed my mind in a story of loss, heartache, hope, and strength. Set amid the lush beauty of mid 1900’s Greece, Daughter of Ruins centers on three women, each of whom have endured their own form of betrayal, yet came away from that pain with a strength to be admired. This is a book of harsh reality, but also of love. And this love shines through in the most unexpected of ways.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Absolutely beautifully written. This is my first read by the author and I was very impressed by her writing style. I felt as if I was peeking into the character's lives as it is so realistic. As you read you will be completely absorbed by the Greek flavor. culturally, historically from the myths and legends and the amazing foods it's all there waiting for you.
This is about women, yes, we have our lovely main character but there are many important women who when faced with hardships and tragedies they forge on and show such resilience. Though their world is falling apart around them they are there for each other. and will go to great lengths to show it. I love that the author has lived in the area she writes about which makes this historical book all the more realistic.
This book has taken me on an emotional roller coaster, and I loved every bit of the ride. Full of family and discoveries, a journey worth taking with the light shining at the end of the tunnel.
Highly recommended!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Demitra, Elena, and Maria are the three women in this novel whose stories include a history of Greece from the 1920s to 1980. The novel includes events such as the migration of so many young Greek men to America in search of a better life, the young Greek women who were sent after them as brides, the Italian occupation of Greece during the war, followed by the Nazi invasion that was much more cruel, subsequent moves by Greeks to America, and much more.

The 20th century history of Greece, its small towns, and some of its people who left the country are laid out in this book, through the lives of the three women, in particular Demitra, whose mother had died in the USA when Demitra was only three. Her father had subsequently returned with Demitra to Greece.

This was a fascinating novel that was also the telling of the history of the island. Particularly moving was Demitra story as a child in Greece writing letters to her dead mother and then burning them before her disapproving papa could see.

Somehow the author's skipping around in the telling of her story works. For instance, the novel starts in 1940 and 1943, moves to 1948, back to 1921, forward to 1952, then back to 1921. The latter part of the book takes place in 1970 and 1975 and then ends in 1980 in the U.S. Demitra's entire life is covered, as well as the major events in Greece during most of this time.

I would recommend this book especially to Greek Americans and Southern Europe Americans such as the Italians, whose stories of small isolated home towns during a similar period of time, and immigration to the U.S., especially to the Bronx, might be similar.

A very worthwhile historical novel.

Daughter of Ruins

° Dual Timelines
° Multiple POV
° Greek History & Mythology

This historical fiction novel follows the lives of three resilient women—a motherless daughter, an Italian prostitute, and a mail-order bride—over several decades in Greece and America.

The story beautifully captures their courage, struggles and determination to rise above pain, blending inspiration with heartbreak. It explores powerful themes of parental love, friendship, loss and advocacy for others’ rights.  While listening to the audiobook on my way to work, I found myself wanting to pull over as I felt deeply connected to the main character's emotions.

The narrative is rich with Greek history, culture and mythology, vividly describing the beauty of Cephalonia and Corfu, making me long to visit Greece one day. The intertwining of the goddesses in Greek mythology, with the women’s stories is skillfully done.

I initially listened to the audiobook, but later switched to the ebook and Alex Sarrigeorgiou’s narration truly brought each character to life.

TW: Physical Abuse, Infidelity, Racism, Illegal Adoption, Human Trafficking

Favorite Quotes:
ᥫ᭡ "Let men think they hold all the power because we know the truth.  We are the ones who give life and bring life.  There is nothing more powerful or important."
"Men think they hold the power, but we are the power, Demitra.  And we bring the magic and the love."

ᥫ᭡  "I know what it is to have a passion in your heart but to be told repeatedly to tamp it down.  I know what it is to want to soar when others are holding you down.  I see this in you."

ᥫ᭡ ".. Show me someone who isn't damaged or haunted in some way.  The only difference is what we do with that pain.  Do we drown in it, allowing it to pull us down further until we disappear into it?  Or do we use that pain, that brokenness to inspire us?" 

ᥫ᭡ "Don't shy away from what haunts you.   Embrace it. Just look around you, look at the magnificence of this place, look at what can happen when you face your pain, the very thing that broke your heart, instead of pretending it never existed."

ᥫ᭡  "..You spent your childhood searching for the magic in the myths, Demitra, when you were the magic all along.  Be the magic.  Create magic and live the life of an artist.."

ᥫ᭡ "She had, for a few brief moments, experienced a pure and perfect love.   And she was forever changed by it, understanding that it would never come again, because she was not who she was before."

ᥫ᭡ "..she knew that despite the pain she felt, it had been worth it.  It had all been worth it.  Because however brief it was, their love was true.  And she knew that together, they had created magic, and the world was a more beautiful place because of their love."

ᥫ᭡  "The tangle of tiny blue flowers woven into Aphrodite's hair would always be a testament of their bond and proof that sometimes only after experiencing pain, longing, and sorrow, can love exist in its truest and most beautiful form."

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Harper Muse and Harper Muse Audiobooks and the author Yvette Manessis Corporon for the complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a deep and emotional tale! The story is focused on three different women! A daughter who does not have a mother, a prostitute in italy, and a mail order bride! Historical fiction has always been one of my top favorite genres! It takes real skill and talent and a heart full of love for history to write a tale involving three women from three different backgrounds! 💗

The women's lives or choreographed like a dance in each chapter in and out throughout the years. We get to see the decisions made by these women or for them. 🫢

Fate threw the three of these women together at the highest and lowest moments. Demetria, Maria, and Elena are dancers for the universe! They play to the tune of other people's drums and then find a different harmony within each other and on their own! ☕

I don't want to spoil anything you definitely have to read this and take each move made by the characters and each thread of fate woven into their lives! 🍾

Bravo! 🎙️