The Telegram (short story)

"The Telegram" is a short story written by Iain Crichton Smith between 1977 and 1997. The story is taking place during World War II in Scotland, and shows the reaction of two women about a bad news - through a telegram - coming from the war. The author is pointing many themes like: War, Social differences (between the two women), Solitude, Difficulties for people who don't go fight.

In 2013 it was included in the Scottish Qualifications Authority's list of "Scottish Texts for New National 5 and Higher English Courses", along with the Crichton Smith's "The Red Door", "Mother and Son", "In Church", "The Painter", and "The Crater".