Driving Miss Daisy by Alfred Uhry
Key Details
- Genre: fiction
- Sub-Genres: play
- Publication Date: 1987
- Pages: 80
- Themes: friendship, class, race
- Accolades: 1988 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
My Rating
Driving Miss Daisy is, quite simply, one of the most heartwarming stories I’ve ever read. It bridges divides of race and class to bring together two unlikely pals and teach us all a thing or two about life. As a play, it’s also very short and can be read in one sitting.
Gilmore Girls Episodes
| Season 2, Episode 16 (“There’s the rub.”) | Lorelai calls Emily “Miss Daisy” near the limo. |
| Season 6, Episode 21 (“Driving Miss Gilmore”) | The episode’s title refers to it. |
Best Quote
“You’re my best friend.”
Book Review
Plot Description
Driving Miss Daisy is about the unlikely friendship between Daisy Werthan, an elderly Jewish woman in Atlanta, and Hoke Colburn, her Black chauffeur. Set over 25 years, the story follows their evolving relationship as they navigate issues of race, aging, and independence.
Why It Matters on Gilmore Girls
Driving Miss Daisy was a cultural phenomenon, so it only makes sense that Emily, in a chauffeured car, is repeatedly compared to Miss Daisy.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone in the mood for a short feel good read should pick up Driving Miss Daisy. It’s universally likable!
Reading Tips
- I highly recommend the Audible original edition narrated by Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones. It’s one of the best audiobooks to which I’ve listened.
- Pair it with the 1989 Academy Award winning film of the same name starring Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman and Dan Aykroyd, or watch a stage version.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main plot of “Driving Miss Gilmore” is that Emily asks Lorelai to be her driver after minor eye surgery, reminiscent of the play Driving Miss Daisy by Alfred Uhry, in which a wealthy older woman becomes friends with her chauffer. Meanwhile. Rory helps Logan recover, and Luke helps Liz with her pregnancy.
In Season 7, Episode 4 (“‘S Wonderful, ‘S Marvelous”, Lorelai specifically refers to the movie adaptation of Driving Miss Daisy. Other episodes refer to the book.
