Daughter of Ruins

Daughter of Ruins is a captivating journey through the lives of generations of Greek women, intertwining past and present in a beautifully woven narrative. Yvette Manessis Corporon crafts a story that effortlessly tugs at the reader’s emotions, ranging from joyful nostalgia to deep sorrow. The characters are wonderfully relatable, with rich development that draws you into their personal struggles, hopes, and dreams.

The emotional depth of the story is further enhanced by the beautiful narration of Alex Sarrigeorgiou, whose tone, annunciation, and character depth bring this multi-generational tale to life. Her performance pulled me into the story, making every character feel vivid and real.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy family sagas, historical fiction, or those with a deep appreciation for stories that explore the complexities of heritage, identity, and the bonds between women across generations. If you’re drawn to narratives that evoke a wide range of emotions and transport you across time and place, Daughter of Ruins will not disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley, Yvette Manessis Corporon, and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the opportunity to listen and review Daughter of Ruins.

I couldn't stop listening to this one. I got this as an audiobook ARC (thanks, netgalley) and just lost myself in this beautifully realistic story.

This story mainly takes place in Greece during the time between 1920 and 1953. It follows the life of Dimitra, a young girl whose mother died when Dimitra was very young. Dimitra lives a fairly lonely life with her father, who expects her to behave like a traditional Greek girl where her only value is in that of a wife and mother. When her father eventually remarries, Dimitra learns the value of authentic female companionship. Women lifting up other women and women celebrating women is a reoccurring theme in this story, but it's subtle. As Dimitra gets older, her father's desire to marry her off increases, but Dimitra wants more than to be someone's betrothed. She wants love.

Elena is a prostitute from Italy. Her mother was a prostitute too. She is beautiful and caring. The Italian soldiers she services on the Greek island are kind and gentle, but things change with the German occupation.

Maria is from a small Greek town. Her family gets by, but barely. To make ends meet, her father decides to turn her into a mail-order-bride. She embarks on a journey from Greece to America where she finds that the American Dream looks different for everyone.

These three women have lives that entwine with each other, and Corporon has done a marvelous job at crafting their stories together seamlessly. I want to add all her books to my cart and go lose myself in them. This is a book for the readers who love a good historical fiction novel. There is love, female empowerment, poverty, destitution, character development, found family, and mythology all in a story that centers around three strong women forging their way in life.

The story took me through so many emotions. I laughed, got angry, and cried. I was reminded of my own life and how love looks different for everyone.

I listened to the audiobook put out by Harper Muse Audiobooks and narrated by Alex Sarrigeorgiou. The narrator's use of accents and her clear voice made this a pleasure to listen to. I was fully immersed in my "reading" experience with her as my guide. I would absolutely listen to another audio that she narrates.

This was a heartfelt, emotional, and captivating journey through the lives of three courageous women who faced numerous challenges. I was unable to put this novel down and read it in one sitting. I highly recommend this remarkable novel to everyone.

Thank you for this ARC #HarperCollins,#Netgalley, #DaughterofRuins

Historical fiction isn't something I read often. Not unlike sci-fi/fantasy novels, it requires a higher level of effort from the reader than other genres. It can be slower to suck you in, demanding patience as the story threads weave themselves together. But if you're lucky, as the pieces dance and settle into their places, you'll be left with an intricate tapestry that takes your breath away. Daughter of Ruins stands in testament of that truth. It serves as a beacon to how powerful the genre can be.

Demitra is a motherless daughter brought back to her father's home country of Greece after losing his wife in America. She uses drawing as a coping mechanism in her childhood loneliness, sketching Italian soldiers of the World Wars where they find leisure on the Greek beaches. Then the war takes a turn and the once lithe and eager bodies are piled high and lifeless. There are many hard lessons like this one in store for Demitra as she navigates the world, and this book follows her through many trials and tribulations through her life, though it is not all hardship. Her journey takes her from Greece to America and back again, and all the while she is developing into the woman she was destined to be.

I think the story captured the life of a young woman so well. It was a difficult time in Greece, and a difficult time for women. Though she had no direct maternal influence, there were many strong women mentors in Demitra's life. With an artist's curiosity she observed the world around her, turning her wisdom and unique understanding into art.

I am still quite stunned by the intricate structure of this novel. Demitra uses many figures of Greek mythology to analogize the human lives around her and translates them into her art. She dives deep into her understanding of the gods before she draws them, and though they are done with simple materials, her art has a depth that is undeniable by those who witness it.

This is an emotional book. There is grief and sorrow and growth and healing and hope and faith and passion and curiosity and pain and confusion and determination and love. There is tenderness and betrayal. There is scheming and outsmarting and deceit and compassion. There is everything under the umbrella of human emotion, because this is a human story.

I will not soon forget this story. Demitra and Maria and Elena and Aphrodite and all of those who weave in and out of these pages. I listened to this as an advanced listeners copy from netgalley and the publisher and I have nothing but great things to say about the incredible narrator Alex Sarrigeorgiou. Phenomenal work. There is something special about the story of a woman coming into her own. I hope you will read it.

Between the well developed characters, the family secrets, and the story detail, this was an amazing novel.

I really enjoyed Daughter of Ruins! The rich history and beautiful settings Yvette Manessis Corporon takes us through were stunning. I did have a bit of trouble following all the characters in the audiobook at first, but as I became familiar with the characters, the story unfolded beautifully. The journeys of these compelling women are captivating, and the mix of Greek culture and mythology added a special touch. A lovely read overall!

Daughter of Ruins follows the stories several women in Greece and jumps back in forth in time spanning the 1920's, 50's, and 70's. It's one of those books that tough to read, but sticks with you for life. This is because of how difficult the subject matter is. The women in the book go through many trials, including abusive men, manipulative women, and natural disasters that change their lives forever.

As a historic fiction lover, I can confirm this book is unique in it's content. Even though it spans the time of WWII, the war isn't the main focus. What it does focus on is the sacrifices women had to constantly make in a time and culture where they were expected to be meek homemakers who defer to the men in their lives.

I highly recommend this book for any historic fiction or women's fiction lover!

My Quick Takes:
- 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 mild, 2 instances
- Spice ❤️‍🔥 closed door
- Content Consideration 🤔 parent death, infant loss, infidelity, domestic abuse
- Target Audience 🎯 Adult

Wow. I don’t know what I expected out of this book but it surprised me in the best way. Following three greek women over the course of 60 years, Daughter of Ruins plumbs the depths of the hardships everyday Greek women faced in the mid 20th century.

I could not put this book down as I cried my way through the pages of heartache, triumph, setbacks, devastation, and the trials that women can endure during their lifetime. I enjoyed the coming of age narrative and the bits of history woven into the timeline, like WW2 and other lesser known historical events in Greece. It made me think of books like Pachinko, and A Thousand Splendid Suns. A must read for fans of Kristin Hannah or Marjan Kamali.

I started getting into historical fiction last year and am so happy I have found this genre! Daughter of Ruins is a captivating story following three women as they fight for what they want. I really, really enjoyed Demitra's character and how her story interconnects with the other two women. I am an art therapist so I loved how Demitra used her art for self expression and it inspired me to draw myself.

This is a coming of age story woven with love and loss and rich Greek history explored that made me feel so deeply and learn so much at the same time. Yvette’s writing is so detailed and thoughtful making the characters really leep of the page and I really enjoyed that too.

I also did an immersive read of this one and really, really enjoyed Alex Sarrigeorgio’s narration. The way she translates the characters emotions so well was very gripping and I really couldn’t wait to get back to listening to the story.

Daughter of Ruins alternates between the 1920s, 1950s, and 1970s while following the stories of multiple women in Greece. It's one of those books that is difficult to read but leaves a lasting impression. This is a result of the subject matter's difficulty. The women in the book experience a variety of hardships, such as manipulative women, violent men, and natural disasters that permanently alter their lives.

As a fan of historical fiction, I can attest to the originality of this book's content. Although it takes place during World War II, the conflict is not the primary subject. It does, however, highlight the ongoing sacrifices that women had to make in a society and era where being a submissive housewife was expected of them.

Daughter of Ruins
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Less than 8% in and I’m crying at Stella’s speech about being a step mother to Demitra. As a step daughter myself, I think that connection is more than I could ever ask for and one I know so well.

This book is absolutely amazing! It has really grabbed my attention. I will say that the shifts in point of view can be a bit tricky to keep up with. The heavy themes surrounding the treatment of sex workers, trafficking, and slavery are clear but handled with such sensitivity. I can't put it down! Demitra’s speech to her father about her mother hit me hard—I’m in tears at work.
It may be the narrator or maybe recent historical fiction I have read but there were often parts where I forgot this takes place in Greece and not Mexico or Spain. This story is so beautifully done and so beautifully sad. I immediately had to send a physical copy of this book to one of my friends.

“Men think that they hold the power but, we ARE the power, Demitra, and we bring the magic and the love.”

This compelling dual-time novel intricately weaves the stories of three strong Greek women: Demitra, an orphaned daughter raised by her Baba; Elena, a beautiful Italian prostitute navigating wartime challenges; and Maria, a poor mountain girl sent to America as a mail-order bride in search of a better life.

Set against the backdrop of Greek mythology, the narrative unfolds in both the 1930s and 1943, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience. Demitra grapples with her mother’s death and her father’s absence, while Elena faces the harsh realities of war, and Maria seeks her place in a foreign land.

The author sensitively portrays each woman’s struggles, highlighting their courage and determination to discover their true selves amidst societal expectations. With a rich cast of supporting characters and a deep appreciation for Greece's history and myths, this emotional read resonates deeply. A beautifully crafted story that deserves a five-star rating!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins | Harper Muse for the opportunity to listen to this advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest opinions!

Daughter of Ruins swept me into a rich, interwoven story of three remarkable women, each navigating their own challenges with courage and heart. The audiobook brought their voices to life, pulling me deeply into their world. Yvette Manessis Corporon’s storytelling is both tender and fierce, holding my attention from beginning to end. This novel will stay with me, no question, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a story that resonates with resilience and connection. This one’s earned a place among my favorites.

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.

Daughter of Ruins
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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!

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).