The study deals with the reception of Hilsenrath's novels. The interpretations revealed by the feuilleton, literary studies, and non-public statements are documented. Based on recent findings from reception research and concepts from pragmatic text theory, the existing documents are understood as "texts-in-function." The research interest is guided by the question of the role of literary criticism in the case of Hilsenrath. What thematic and stylistic determinations can be observed, and how does literary criticism shape the author image? Last but not least, there is the question of the political and social dimension that determines this history of reception. Central themes such as the depiction of horror in connection with grotesque means, Jewish figures in literature after the Shoah, and the intersection of Shoah and sexuality are interrelated.