It's a short story - not even a novella. I've been looking for some book club questions for an eventual discussion thread, but couldn't find any. I guess it's not that well known.
However, in my paper copy of "Collected Short Stories" by E. M. Forster (Penquin) I found one reference in the introduction (written by Forster) to the story: "
The Machine Stops is a reaction to one of the earlier heavens of H. G. Wells." This is what Forster thought about it. I could add that he dedicates the whole short story collection to Hermes Psychopompus. Very 'Forster' I'd say.
Something to chew on for the discussion for those of you who've already read it. I'm waiting until tomorrow myself for reading
Personally, I wouldn't mind if we pushed discussion a bit.