'Crime and Punishment' (1866) by Fyodor Dostoevsky

'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky is in 6 parts with an Epilogue:

Part I
The novel begins with Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, a poor, ex-law student living in St. Petersburg. Burdened by poverty and a growing sense of nihilism, Raskolnikov hatches a plan to murder Alyona Ivanovna, a greedy pawnbroker, rationalizing that her death would benefit society. He executes the crime but is horrified when her innocent half-sister, Lizaveta, walks in and witnesses the murder. In a panic, Raskolnikov kills her too and barely escapes unnoticed. The psychological toll of the murders begins to consume him.

Part II
Raskolnikov becomes feverish and paranoid, isolating himself in his apartment. He is visited by Razumikhin, his loyal and optimistic friend, who tries to support him. Meanwhile, the police, led by Porfiry Petrovich, begin investigating the murders. Though Raskolnikov acts erratically and drops hints of his guilt, he isn't immediately suspected. His mental state deteriorates further as he grapples with guilt and the moral implications of his crime.

Part III
Raskolnikov’s family arrives in St. Petersburg: his mother, Pulcheria, and his virtuous sister, Dunya. Dunya is engaged to the wealthy but despicable Luzhin, whom Raskolnikov despises. He urges her to break off the engagement, which she eventually does. Raskolnikov also encounters Sonia Marmeladov, the self-sacrificing daughter of a drunkard who has turned to prostitution to support her family. Her quiet faith and suffering begin to affect him deeply.

Part IV
Porfiry Petrovich becomes increasingly suspicious of Raskolnikov and employs psychological tactics to pressure him. Meanwhile, Luzhin attempts to frame Sonia for theft to discredit her in Raskolnikov’s eyes but fails. Raskolnikov confesses his crime to Sonia, who urges him to seek redemption through confession and repentance.

Part V
Dunya’s former employer, Svidrigailov, a morally depraved man, arrives in St. Petersburg and expresses an obsessive desire for her. Despite his manipulative ways, he ultimately commits suicide after realizing the futility of his existence.

Part VI
Porfiry confronts Raskolnikov and subtly implies he knows the truth, leaving Raskolnikov to wrestle with his conscience. After a final meeting with Sonia, who assures him of God’s forgiveness, he publicly confesses to the murders. He is sentenced to a Siberian penal colony.

Epilogue
In Siberia, Raskolnikov remains unrepentant and detached until Sonia visits him regularly, showing unconditional love and compassion. Gradually, her faith inspires him to seek redemption. The novel ends with Raskolnikov’s spiritual awakening, leaving the possibility of a new life of atonement and moral renewal.

This psychological drama explores themes of morality, redemption, and the consequences of alienation and nihilism. Raskolnikov's journey from guilt to spiritual renewal reflects Dostoevsky's exploration of the human condition and the power of faith and love.