Ann Veronica (1909) by H G Wells

'Ann Veronica' is a novel about a young woman’s quest for independence and self-discovery at a time when women were expected to adhere to rigid societal norms. Ann Veronica Stanley, a 21-year-old woman living in early 20th-century London, finds herself stifled by her conservative family and society's restrictions on women's freedom. Driven by a desire for autonomy, she defies her controlling father, leaving home to pursue an education and a more liberated life in London.

As Ann Veronica immerses herself in various political and social circles, she encounters feminist ideas and becomes involved in the suffrage movement. She faces numerous challenges, from financial struggles to moral dilemmas and pressures to conform. Along the way, she meets Henry Capes, a scientist with whom she forms a romantic relationship that challenges her ideals of independence. Ultimately, Ann Veronica learns to balance her aspirations for personal freedom with her emotional attachments and societal expectations.

Wells explores themes of women's rights, individualism, and the pursuit of personal freedom, reflecting the early feminist struggles and social shifts of the era. Through Ann Veronica's story, the novel critiques the traditional roles imposed on women and champions the idea of a woman’s right to choose her own path.