51 pages • 1 hour read
The Neverending Story
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
The Neverending Story
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1979448
Novel • Fiction
1979
Middle grade
10-14 years
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.
Fantastical
Mysterious
Adventurous
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
213,074 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
213,074 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Atreyu
Atreyu
A brave young member of the Grass People known for his hunting skills, tasked with a critical mission to help the realm of Fantastica. He serves as a guiding figure and companion to Bastian, demonstrating loyalty and wisdom.
The Childlike Empress (Moon Child)
The Childlike Empress (Moon Child)
The leader of Fantastica, whose ageless presence connects to the life force of her realm. She requires interaction with a human to ensure her continued existence and embodies the power of imagination.
448
Novel • Fiction
1979
Middle grade
10-14 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.