51 pages • 1 hour read
Michael Ende, Transl. Ralph ManheimThe Neverending Story
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1979A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.