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Momo
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Momo is very intelligent and is not easily fooled by the two men who come to town telling people to save time and deposit it in the bank. With the help of her friend, Professor Hora, and a turtle, she is determined to find out what they are doing with time.
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“Momo”, also known as “The Grey Gentlemen” or “The Men in Grey”, became my second favorite Michael Ende book shortly after being introduced to “The Neverending Story”. Although intended to be a children’s book, “Momo” appeals to both children and adults for it’s thought provoking sentiments and it’s deeper, underlining message.
The story focuses on the concept of time and how it is used by humans in modern societies. It’s a strange story of time-thieves and the child who brought the stolen time back to the people who’ve fallen victim to the Men in Grey and their sinister plot.
In the ruins of an amphitheater just outside an unnamed city lives Momo, a little girl of mysterious origin. She came to the ruin, parent-less, illiterate and doesn’t know how old she is. When asked, she replies, “As far as I remember, I’ve always been around.” She is remarkable in the neighborhood because she has the extraordinary ability to listen—really listen. The ruins are desolate but the people who dwell there are sincerely happy living in harmony and enjoying life for what it is.
This pleasant atmosphere is spoiled though by the arrival of the Men in Grey, eventually revealed as a species of paranormal parasites stealing the time of humans. Appearing in the form of grey-clad, grey-skinned, bald men, these strange individuals present themselves as representing the Timesavings Bank and promote the idea of “timesaving” among the population: supposedly, time can be deposited in the Bank and returned to the client later with interest.
After encountering the Men in Grey, people are made to forget all about them, but not about the resolution to save as much time as possible for later use. Gradually, the sinister influence of the Men in Grey affects the whole city: life becomes sterile, devoid of all things considered time-wasting, like social activities, recreation, art, imagination, or sleeping. Buildings and clothing are made exactly the same for everyone, and the rhythms of life become hectic. In reality, the more time people save, the less they have; the time they save is actually lost to them.
In summary, I adored the creativity of Michael Ende’s work during my childhood year but I also have a huge appreciation for his work as an adult today. It still fascinates me that no matter how old I get, or how many times I re-read these books – I still walk away with something new to ponder.
