Chance (Conrad novel)

Although the novel was not one upon which Conrad's later critical reputation was to depend, it was his greatest commercial success upon initial publication.

The novel is also unusual among its author's works for such strong emphasis on a female character: the heroine, Flora de Barral.

Miss de Barral leads a sheltered life for as long as her father is prosperous, but at other times must rely on the generosity of others, who resent her or have agendas for her, before she escapes by marrying one Captain Anthony.

Breaking away from tradition, Chance deals with social issues surrounding feminism and financial speculation, involving Mrs. Fyne and Flora de Barral, as presented by the various narrators.

[4] The complex style of Conrad's narrative in this novel invited widespread criticisms from peers and readers alike.