by Thomas Hardy
The Classic book The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy. Drunk and angry at his wife, Michael sells his wife and baby to a sailor during an auction at a county fair. Realizing what he has done the following day, Michael decided not to drink again for as many days as he has lived. Fast forward 18 years, and Michael is now the Mayor of Casterbridge. However he will soon come face-to-face with his wife and daughter again which will cause him to reflect on his character.