Daughter of Ruins: A Novel

As seen on GMA * "Start this engrossing, mesmerizing, and loving book and you won't want to put it down." --Adam Glassman, Oprah Daily * "Spellbinding!" --Today.com

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.

Daughter of Ruins is a powerful tale of three determined and strong women, and it is impossible not to be moved by their journeys. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, mythology, or simply enjoy a compelling story of female empowerment, this book is a must-read. So why not pick up a copy today and join us on this unforgettable journey to 20th-century Greece?

© 2024 Thomas Nelson (Audiobook): 9781400236138

Release date

Audiobook: 8 October 2024