The Mayor of Casterbridge; by Thomas Hardy.

A man can make a horrendous mistake in a bad moment with drink and temper, and however much he regrets it and does his best to change himself and aspire to be a better man, another moment of being less vigilent with one's faults can again bring him down and bring unhappiness to him and others around him. One may pity him, but one has to excuse those he harmed and are unable to love him again, or even forgive him, especially the young ones.

Thomas Hardy is a master in literature. And this is one of his best. Few books can be so heart wrenching about a man of such character.