Olivia Manning Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Husband

Olivia Mary Manning CBE, more commonly known as Olivia Manning, was a distinguished British novelist, poet, writer, and literary reviewer whose work spanned fiction and non-fiction.

Her works frequently delved into the intricacies of human relationships, political upheaval, and cultural intersections, offering a nuanced perspective on the world around her.

Profile

• Full Name: Olivia Mary Manning CBE
• Stage Name: Olivia Manning
• Born: 2, March 1908
• Date of death: July 23 1980 (Aged: 72 years)
• Birthplace: Portsmouth, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: Novelist, poet, writer, and literary reviewer
• Height: unknown
• Parent: Oliver Manning and Olivia Morrow
• Siblings: Oliver Manning
• Spouse: Reginald Donald “Reggie” Smith (m. 1939-1980)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Olivia Mary Manning CBE was born on March 2, 1908, in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, to Lieutenant-Commander Oliver Manning, a naval officer, and Olivia Morrow. She grew up with a younger brother named Oliver.

Manning received her early education at a small dame school before attending Bangor Presbyterian and Lyndon House School in Portsmouth.

She later pursued artistic studies at the Portsmouth School of Art. Her ethnic background was diverse, reflecting both American and Irish heritage. Raised in the Presbyterian faith, she remained a church member.

Career

Olivia Manning’s literary career began in 1929 when she published serialized detective novels in the Portsmouth News under the pseudonym Jacob Morrow.

Among these early works were Rose of Rubies, Here is Murder, and The Black Scarab, which she did not publicly acknowledge until the 1960s, possibly to avoid revealing her age. Alongside these mystery stories, Manning also wrote short fiction and two literary novels initially rejected for publication.

Her first critically recognized novel, The Wind Changes, was published in 1937. It explores themes of politics and personal relationships set in Ireland, a country that profoundly influenced her during her youth. Manning’s life and literary career turned pivotal in 1939 when she married R. D. Smith, a British Council lecturer.

Following her husband’s diplomatic postings, she lived in Bucharest, Greece, Egypt, and Jerusalem, experiences that would later serve as the foundation for her most acclaimed works, The Balkan Trilogy and The Levant Trilogy.

Together known as Fortunes of War, these novels offer a richly detailed portrayal of life during World War II, capturing the uncertainty and upheaval of the era with remarkable authenticity.

Manning’s writing was deeply informed by her observations, blending historical events with intimate character studies. Although respected by literary peers, she struggled to achieve widespread recognition during her lifetime.

Despite various challenges, Manning remained a prolific writer, producing works such as Artist Among the Missing (1949), School for Love (1951), and The Play Room (1969), along with numerous short stories, travel books, and biographical studies.

Her literary reputation gained momentum after her death, particularly following the 1987 television adaptation of Fortunes of War, which introduced her work to a broader audience.

Today, Manning is recognized for her insightful explorations of war, colonialism, and personal displacement. Her contributions to literature were formally acknowledged when she was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1976, cementing her legacy as a writer of historical and psychological depth.

Social Media

Olivia Manning does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Olivia Manning married Reginald Donald “Reggie” Smith, a British Council lecturer who later became a BBC producer, in August 1939, shortly before the onset of World War II.

Their marriage was complex, as both partners were known to have engaged in affairs, yet they remained committed to each other until Manning’s passing.

There is no documented evidence of Manning having children. Despite the personal challenges in their relationship, she and Reggie Smith shared a deep professional respect and supported each other’s careers throughout their lives.

Net Worth

Olivia Manning’s exact net Worth at the time of her death remains unknown. However, she left most of her estate to the Wood Green Animal Sanctuary, suggesting that while she was not immensely wealthy, she had sufficient means to support her personal interests and charitable endeavours.