Though parts of this little story are very funny (Mrs. Selldon's dinner party), this book touches on early 1900 Russia's political climate. A good deal here to discuss i.e. the power of words. 

A gossipy old woman, an impressionable young girl, a narrow-minded curate, a letter written while bored, a scrap of dinner party conversation intended to impress - these are amongst the fatal steps which lead from a lie to a tragedy.

A short yet timeless morality tale.