Elisabeth de Waal (1899–1991), née von Ephrussi, was an Austrian writer born in Vienna.

She also exchanged letters with philosopher Eric Voegelin, both of them having been Rockefeller Foundation fellows at Columbia University.

A New York Times review by Andrew Ervin wrote, "De Waal brings these characters together in a tightly wound story of love, betrayal and class tension among Austria's aristocratic, clerical and intellectual spheres.

If the plot can seem a bit like a PBS costume drama waiting to happen, so does de Waal's personal history.

"[4] Persephone Books released an issue of The Exiles Return which donates proceeds to the Refugee Center with every copy.