The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the most frightening account of misguided religious bigotry I’ve ever read. There’s nothing quite like finishing the second hand account, and moving on to first person, and realising the dire mental state the protagonist(s) is/are in. David Blair’s notes in the Wordsworth Edition are brilliant, and helped me feel less overwhelmed. The vernacular Scots is wonderful, and the editor’s notes are perfect.
Cy Forrest 