51 pages 1 hour read

Michael Ende, Transl. Ralph Manheim

The Neverending Story

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1979

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende follows Bastian, a lonely boy who escapes into reading and enters the magical world of Fantastica threatened by "the Nothing." He must help Atreyu on a quest to save their world and discover a new name for the Childlike Empress. Bastian's journey in Fantastica is also a path to self-discovery, highlighting the power of imagination and the search for identity. This novel includes themes of loss and grief.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, translated by Ralph Manheim, is widely praised for its imaginative world and deep philosophical themes. Readers appreciate the vivid, mesmerizing narrative and its appeal to both children and adults. Some critics, however, note a complex structure that can be challenging. Nonetheless, it remains a timeless adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Neverending Story?

Readers who relish richly-imagined fantasy worlds and epic adventures will adore Michael Ende's The Neverending Story. Comparable to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, this novel captivates those who appreciate intricate storytelling, timeless themes, and the magic of boundless imagination.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Action / Adventure

Classic Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Self Discovery

Life/Time: Coming of Age