Olivia Manning

Olivia Manning was a British novelist, poet, and writer known for her works set against the backdrop of World War II, particularly the Balkan and Levant trilogies.

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. Fortunes Of War

    The Balkan Trilogy

    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 4398th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Balkan Trilogy

    The Great Fortune, The Spoilt City, Friends and Heroes

    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 9259th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. La Ciudad Expoliada

    The novel explores the complexities and tensions of life in a city under siege during World War II, focusing on the experiences of a diverse group of expatriates and locals. As the city faces the threat of invasion, the characters navigate personal and political challenges, revealing the impact of war on their relationships and identities. Through vivid descriptions and intricate character development, the story delves into themes of survival, loyalty, and the human capacity for resilience amidst chaos and uncertainty.

  4. 4. The Great Fortune

    Set against the backdrop of World War II, this novel follows the lives of newlyweds Guy and Harriet Pringle as they navigate the complexities of expatriate life in Bucharest, Romania. As the city teeters on the brink of conflict, the couple becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue, personal relationships, and cultural clashes. Through their eyes, the story explores themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of war on ordinary lives, painting a vivid picture of a world on the cusp of monumental change.

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  5. 5. School For Love

    Set in the aftermath of World War II, the story unfolds in Jerusalem, where a young orphaned boy named Felix Latimer is sent to live with his distant relative, Miss Bohun. The narrative explores Felix's coming-of-age journey as he navigates the eccentricities and manipulations of Miss Bohun, who runs a boarding house filled with a cast of diverse and intriguing characters. Through his interactions and experiences, Felix learns about love, trust, and the complexities of human relationships in a world still reeling from the effects of war.

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  6. 6. Friends And Heroes

    Set against the backdrop of World War II, this novel follows the lives of Harriet and Guy Pringle as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and survival in war-torn Europe. As the couple moves from Greece to Egypt, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own challenges amidst the chaos of war. The narrative delves into the personal and political struggles faced by expatriates, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in times of uncertainty and upheaval.

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