The scandal associated with the novel acquired not only a literary, but also a social character. It sold out in 10 days, but was mercilessly criticized. "The Woman on the Cross" did not receive a single positive review. Explicit themes and scenes, the exposure of everything secret, hidden that respectable citizens did not want to admit in themselves, caused a storm of sanctimonious indignation... The tragic fate of Anna Mar turned out to be unexpectedly consonant with the title of the novel. Unable to withstand the trials of fate, endless criticism, poverty, the writer committed suicide - as if she had sacrificed herself for the secret vices of society.