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51 pages 1 hour read

The Neverending Story

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1979

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Book Brief

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Michael Ende, Transl. Ralph Manheim

The Neverending Story

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1979
Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

1979

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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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.

Fantastical

Mysterious

Adventurous

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

213,074 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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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.

4.5

213,074 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

1979

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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