A fictional tale encompassing multiple genres, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner is James Hogg's classic novel.
The book takes place in two parts; firstly we hear the 'editor's narrative', in which an unnamed narrator accounts for the circumstances described. We are told of an unhappy married couple, George and Rabina - although formally bethrothed, the pair are unsuited; George is carefree, given to drinking, and is not especially religious while Rabina is both abstentious and devout to her Christian faith.
The pair have two children - Robert and George. Robert is raised by his mother, and George by his father, and they grow up to be vastly different characters. George is sociable and well-liked, while Robert is quieter and less given to company. We eventually read the diary of Robert himself, as he catalogues the incidents earlier described by the editor from his point of view, as well as his own feelings and mental state.
During Hogg's lifetime, this book sold poorly and achieved little by way of reputation. However during the mid-20th century it was rediscovered and propelled into prominence by enthusiastic publishers who admired its unusual form - Hogg wrote the text as if it were a document discovered from the grave of the titular sinner. Owing to its tense tone and elements of introspection, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner is considered an early example of psychological mystery fiction.
