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The Neverending Story
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This epic work of the imagination has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide since it was first published more than a decade ago. Its special story within a story is an irresistible invitation for readers to become part of the book itself. And now this modern classic and bibliophile's dream is available in hardcover again.
The story begins with a lonely boy named Bastian and the strange book that draws him into the beautiful but doomed world of Fantastica. Only a human can save this enchanted place by giving its ruler, the Childlike Empress, a new name. But the journey to her tower leads through lands of dragons, giants, monsters, and magic and once Bastian begins his quest, he may never return. As he is drawn deeper into Fantastica, he must find the courage to face unspeakable foes and the mysteries of his own heart.
Readers, too, can travel to the wondrous, unforgettable world of Fantastica if they will just turn the page...--front flap
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First published in 1979 and then translated in English in 1983, “The Neverending Story” centers on a boy, Bastian, a small and strange child who is neglected by his father after the death of Bastian’s mother. While escaping from some bullies, Bastian bursts into the antiquarian book store where he finds a book called The Neverending Story. Unable to resist, he steals the book and hides in his school’s attic, where he begins to read.
The story Bastian reads is set in the magical land of Fantasia that is ruled by the benevolent and mysterious Childlike Empress. A great delegation has come to the Empress to seek her help against a formless entity called “The Nothing”. The delegates are shocked when they learn that the Empress is dying, and has summoned a boy warrior named Atreyu, to find a cure.
Bastian learns that he’s the one intended to save the Empress, but when he refuses he quickly learns that the book is repeating itself, only this time it includes Bastian and his theft of the book. Realizing that the story will repeat itself forever without his intervention, Bastian names the Empress and Fantasia’s existence is restored through his own imagination.
The Empress then gifts Bastian the ability to make wishes with the use of a Auryn, but for each wish, Bastian loses a memory of his life as a human. On the verge of losing his final memory, Bastian must decide if he wants to lose his most important memory of all, or to dwell in the imaginative world of Fantasia forever.
At a young age, “The Neverending Story” highly influenced my love for reading. It was the first book I read that introduced me to magical realism; a concept new to me at the time and yet still indulged my young girl’s heart for fantasy and adventure. It’s creative elements and unique plot were a welcomed change to my usual choice of books at the time (Nancy Drew or VC Andrews, anyone)?
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.
