Title: Daughter of Ruins by Yvette Manessis Corporon 

Pages: 400

Publisher: Harper Muse (oct. 8, 2024)

Genre: historical fiction

Summary

A motherless daughter. An Italian prostitute. A mail-order bride. Are these women brave enough to change their fates?

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 an all-encompassing tale steeped in the rich history, culture, and myths of Greece. It is a deeply moving story that follows three women as they struggle to control their destinies, fighting to become the women they were meant to be.

---

*Thank you to the publisher and TLC Tours for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*

It’s been a while since I’ve read an historical fiction novel that not only transports you back in time but also transports you to another setting. The depictions of Greece really had me feeling like I was there. I found the culture so fascinating!

Daughter of Ruins follows 3 different women and how their stories blend together.  I found myself drawn to all of the characters. There was so much emotion in this book, and I loved that. Demitra’s storyline was particularly compelling. 

This entire novel was emotional, inspiring, and empowering. It shows the strength and resilience of women even in a society where they are treated less than. I felt all the feelings while reading this one. I found myself experiencing everything alongside these characters. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I need to read more of Yvette Corporon’s books now! I would recommend Daughter of Ruins to all historical fiction fans. 

---

---