Ólivia Manning was a notable Anglo-Irish author, known for her captivating novels that often drew from her own experiences. She was born on March 2, 1908, in North End, Portsmouth. Manning's writings are highly regarded for their artistic storytelling, vivid descriptions, and honest portrayal of emotions, especially those related to long journeys and the challenges and joys of love and loss.
Throughout her life, Manning traveled extensively, living in various countries such as England, Ireland, Romania, Greece, Egypt, and Palestine. These experiences significantly influenced her writing, particularly her two main trilogies: the Balkan and Levant Trilogies. The Balkan Trilogy revolves around a young couple, Guy and Harriet Pringle, who are compelled to abandon their home and flee to Greece as the German army invades during World War II. This series masterfully captures the hardships of war, marriage, and life, showcasing Manning's artistic prowess.
Following the conclusion of the Balkan Trilogy, Manning continued to chronicle the Pringles' journey in the Levant Trilogy, which sees the couple relocate to Egypt. Here, they face new challenges and explore themes of success, sacrifice, and the impact of war. In addition to her trilogies, Manning penned many other books, further solidifying her reputation as a gifted author with an exceptional ability to bring places and characters to life through her evocative descriptions.
Manning's husband, R.D. Smith, worked as a British Council lecturer, and their time together in Romania, Greece, Egypt, and Palestine served as inspiration for many of her works. Although Manning's books gained considerable recognition, she didn't achieve significant fame until after her death in 1980, when her acclaimed "Fortunes of War" series, consisting of the Balkan and Levant Trilogies, was adapted into a television series in 1987.