Daughter of Ruins

(Hardback, Large Print Edition)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

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.

Reviews

' . . . captures the scent of mint and oregano, the taste of slick green olives, and, oh yes, forbidden desire. A decadent escape, saturated with myths and mysteries.' -- Oprah Daily

'A moving and transporting novel about the possibilities of friendship and fulfillment amidst deep loss. DAUGHTER OF RUINS explores the harm caused not just by forces of nature but by damaged souls. A testament to the magic and love that women constantly create in ordinary days and despite extraordinary circumstances.' -- Marjan Kamali, bestselling author of THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN

Author Bio

Yvette Manessis Corporon is an internationally bestselling author and Emmy Awardwinning producer. To date, her books have been translated into sixteen languages. A first generation Greek-American with deep family roots on Corfu, Yvette studied classical civilization and journalism at New York University. She lives in Brooklyn with her family where she spends her spare time reading, running, and trying to get into yoga. Visit her online at yvettecorporon.com; Instagram: @yvettecorporon; Twitter: @YvetteNY; Facebook: @YvetteManessisCorporonAuthor.