‘Daughter of Ruins’ portrays women’s perseverance through an ode to its author’s Grecian home
In her author’s note, Yvette Manessis Corporon details an interview she conducted with young Carrie Underwood back in her journalism days. Encouraged by the talented singer making her voice heard across the country at such a young age, Corporon was motivated to chase her own dreams and write her own story. “Daughter of Ruins” centers Demitra, an unyielding artist whose life is a product of generations of powerful Greek women — similar to Corporon herself.
“Daughter of Ruins,” published in October, explores the lives of three women. Demitra grows up in Cephalonia, Greece without her mother. Elena, an Italian woman, works in a brothel in Cephalonia. And Maria is sent to America to marry at a young age. Through these women who lead distinct yet interlinked lives, Corporon details hardships of Greek women. Whether by depicting gender norms in arranged marriages, illegal adoptions and troubled husbands, or portraying struggles of these women throughout WWII and their journeys immigrating to America, Corporon creates unique yet equally compelling stories of powerful women, inspired by historical realities.
Corporon’s depiction of the women is beautifully interspersed by descriptions of Greece and recallings of Greek mythology, paying homage to the unique history of her home country. Although the storylines are filled with desperation, the alluring stories of Greek mythology stand out among them. This contrast further highlights the remarkable perseverance of Greece and its women throughout time.
Notably, the women of the book have severed family connections. Demitra longs for her unknown mother, and her lover who has a family she does not know. Meanwhile, Elena’s child is taken away and given to an American family.
It is often through their interactions together or with other women that these characters overcome hardships. The protagonists and readers simultaneously learn more about their families and hold on to the beauty of Greek culture and history.
Their embrace of Greek culture emulates the efforts of Corporon while writing this book, during which she unearthed the history of her own family. Corporon’s writing process also captures the accuracy of a quote from the book: “I’m not afraid of diluting our Greek identity. It’s not like a sock; it’s not something that’s easily lost.”
Despite being born and raised in the U.S., Corporon’s book detailing Greek history and women is the perfect homage to her Greek identity. She also notes that she finds fulfillment through her writing, much like Demitra who finds sense of self and identity through art.
Apart from their relationships, which grow throughout the book and are also uncovered at the end, Corporon creates a connection between these women early on as well. They are all daughters of ruins, persevering through generational and historical struggles. I found Corporon’s depiction of several storylines captivating despite the book’s heavy themes.
Despite being lengthy and packed with plot, the story flows like a thriller once the reader gets acquainted with each story. The time jumps stitch together the women’s separate stories, adding to the thrill of the book. They help readers piece the stories together while staying curious about the fates of the three central characters.
Overall, whether you want to read a thrilling story whose prose resembles historical fiction or want to be inspired by stories of women that are real yet often left untold, “Daughter of Ruins” is the book to pick up.
Editor’s Note: This article is a review and includes subjective thoughts, opinions and critiques.
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