Howard, Elizabeth Jane (1923– )

English novelist and short-story writer. Her novels are carefully written, closely observed stories of contemporary society, about individuals who seek moral and emotional security. Her novels include The Long View (1956), Odd Girl Out (1972), Getting It Right (1982), and Falling (1999). Short-story collections include Mr Wrong (1975).

Other books include the novels The Beautiful Visit (1950; John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize), The Sea Change (1959), and Something in Disguise (1969). The Light Years (1990) begins, and Casting Off (1995) concludes, a quartet of novels of the 1930s and 1950s about the Cazalet family.

Howard was born in London. She studied at the London Mask Theatre School, and was an actor and model until 1946. She was married to the novelist Kingsley Amis 1965–83.