Olivia Manning

Olivia Manning was a British novelist, poet, and short story writer. She is best known for her series of novels collectively known as 'The Balkan Trilogy' and 'The Levant Trilogy,' also known as 'The Fortunes of War,' which vividly depict the lives of expatriates in Eastern Europe and the Middle East during World War II. Her work is noted for its insights into the psychology of displacement and the impact of war on personal relationships.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Balkan Trilogy

    Cover of 'The Balkan Trilogy' by Olivia Manning

    The narrative follows a young British couple, Harriet and Guy Pringle, as they navigate the tumultuous landscape of Eastern Europe during the early years of World War II. Set against the backdrop of the Balkans, the trilogy paints a vivid picture of the couple's experiences in Romania and Greece, where they encounter a diverse cast of characters, from diplomats and soldiers to refugees and spies. As the war encroaches on their lives, their marriage is tested by the strains of displacement, political uncertainty, and personal betrayal, offering a poignant exploration of love, loyalty, and the human spirit amidst the chaos of conflict.

    The 2837th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Fortunes Of War

    Cover of 'Fortunes Of War' by Olivia Manning

    This novel is a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of World War II, focusing on the lives of a young British couple, Harriet and Guy Pringle, as they navigate the challenges and upheavals brought on by the conflict. Living in Eastern Europe, they find themselves caught in the tides of war, with Guy's position as an English teacher becoming increasingly precarious. The story explores themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for survival in a foreign land amidst the chaos of war, offering a poignant look at the personal impacts of global conflict. Through their journey, the couple encounters a diverse cast of characters, each coping with the war in their own way, providing a rich tapestry of human experience during a time of widespread uncertainty.

    The 4143rd Greatest Book of All Time