Written in the Greek katharevousa, it consists of 17 chapters and was originally published in pieces in the magazine Panathenaea from January to June 1903.

A classic of Modern Greek literature, the novel has been a subject to both philological and criminological analysis.

It has been praised for its use of the literary Greek language, its social commentary, as well as the unique way of introducing the reader to the criminal's psyche.

Set on the Aegean island of Skiathos, the novel narrates the story of Hadoula, an old woman living on the margins of society who accidentally strangles her infant granddaughter while attempting to stop her crying.

Despite the early promptings of her conscience and slowly driven into madness, the protagonist commits herself to bringing the same salvation to all the young girls of her community.