Meine Hölle

Written by Jakob Elias Poritzky, 'Meine Hölle' follows a Jewish narrator fleeing his family to Paris, where he struggles to make a living as a petty trader among society's outcasts. The narrative explores his feelings of superiority over beggars and prostitutes, despite his own lowly status. Eventually moving to Berlin to study, he grapples with his impoverished origins and the looming presence of his devout father and an elusive God. The novel, published in the early 20th century, features strong autobiographical elements that highlight the author's personal experiences.