The Moon And Sixpence: Students Edition

The main character of this book, Charles Strickland, was a thoroughly unlikeable fellow. His departure from home left his first wife in despair. He took up with a woman in Paris and destroyed her life. It was only when he went to Tahiti that he found a haven for his art and lifestyle.

That Strickland was based on the artist Gauguin adds to the story.

I didn't like the character, but I did like the book.