The Great Miss Driver

by Anthony Hope

"The Great Miss Driver" by Anthony Hope is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Jenny Driver, the daughter of a wealthy man who had a complex relationship with his daughter and the world around him. As she inherits his fortune after his death, Jenny navigates her newfound position in society, amidst various interactions with men who have their sights on her and her wealth. The opening of the novel establishes the backdrop of Jenny's life post her father's death, detailing not only her transition into wealth but also her complicated feelings regarding her father and her past. Personal anecdotes and discussions among characters about her father’s legacy set the stage for her challenges ahead. We see her confronted with the responsibilities of wealth and societal expectations, while also encountering Mr. Nelson Powers, a character tied to a troublesome part of her past. Jenny’s dynamic with those around her, particularly her relationship with her father's solicitor and a rising figure of concern, sets the tone for her journey of self-discovery and agency in a world that expects her to play various roles.