The story begins in , following 15-year-old Paula, the eldest daughter of Rabbi Julius Oppenheimer. Because her family struggles financially, she leaves her sheltered home to live as a companion for her wealthy, childless Tante Auguste , who introduces her to the vibrant Berlin art and literary scene.
The central conflict arises when Paula's brother, Franz, introduces her to the young poet . Enchanted by his charisma—earning him the nickname "Merlin"—Paula falls deeply in love. Despite her parents' strong opposition to the match, she becomes his muse and fierce critic, eventually marrying him. However, she must soon confront the reality of Richard's egocentric, unkonventionelle nature and her own desire for creative self-realization. Key Themes & Features
Readers gain insights into life in a liberal Jewish household and the bohemian lifestyle of 19th-century Berlin. Series Overview Ulrike Renk Eine Familie In Berlin 01 Paula...
Like the later volumes in the series, it explores a woman's struggle for independence and creative fulfillment in a time when women were still barred from university education.
The novel is based on the real life of Paula Dehmel and incorporates historical documents, including actual letters and poems from the period. The story begins in , following 15-year-old Paula,
is a multi-generational saga that spans several decades. The subsequent volumes follow Paula’s descendants: Paulas Liebe (2021)
Eine Familie in Berlin – Paulas Liebe | Ulrike Renk - Aufbau Verlag Key Themes & Features Readers gain insights into
is the first volume of the Eine Familie in Berlin saga by best-selling author Ulrike Renk , published in 2021 by Aufbau Verlag . This biographical novel blends historical facts with fictional elements to tell the story of the Jewish artist and writer Paula Dehmel (née Oppenheimer) in late 19th-century Berlin. Plot Summary