A lesser known work of Leo Tolstoy, a Russian writer widely regarded as among the greatest of novelists, his greatest works being “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina”. “The Forged Coupon”, though not so successful, touches upon centuries-old themes, which are still of current importance. The author demonstrates how a single crime, a bank note forgery, leads to a series of other crimes and deaths. Evil begets evil, and consequently, the bank note, having passed round its murderous circle, returns to protagonist.
Important themes of life and human relations, Tolstoy focuses on in this story, are still relevant today. It was written in a form of classic script, in the times, when cinematograph has not even been born. Unfortunately, the work remained unfinished and unedited.