The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler

This book tells the story of four generations of the Pontifex family.  It particularly focuses on Ernest, a young man of the latest generation.  He struggles with questions about his faith.  He assaults a young woman and serves a term in jail.  He becomes a tailor and marries a woman who ends up being an alcoholic who is already married.  Clearly his life isn't wonderful, and it makes for a rather depressing story.  He does reach an age where he gets a financial legacy from an aunt that improves things, so it's nice that it isn't all bad. 

I didn't love it.  It's fairly interesting and well-written but it's also sad and quite unpleasant.  It isn't too long, though, so it is still worth the time.