The Autobiography of a Slander

** "The Autobiography of a Slander" by Edna Lyall is a book that shows the dangers of gossip in Victorian society. It tells the story of how a rumor, acting like a character itself, ruins the life of Sigismund Zaluski, a Polish merchant living in a quiet town. The story follows how gossip spreads from one person to another, such as Mrs. O'Reilly and Lena Houghton, creating misunderstandings and trouble for Zaluski, especially when he tries to have a relationship with Gertrude Morley. As the gossip gets worse, Zaluski is wrongly arrested, leading to a sad ending where he dies in prison and breaks Gertrude's heart. The book is a powerful reminder of how damaging words can be and how important it is to be careful about what we say. **