A story that never ends

Author: [German] Michael Ende
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: "Fantasy literature" is the mainstream of children's literature in the world today. With its marvelous and bizarre imagination, gripping stories, and deep concern for the human soul, it exerts an irresistible artistic charm, drawing both children and adult readers into a state of fascination, as if they are lost in a dream and cannot extricate themselves. Michael Ende has written many successful children's works, creating beloved artistic figures like Momo and Bastian for children. However, he himself never acknowledged that his works were children's literature, and he even fundamentally opposed the idea of "a special literature existing solely for children." Indeed, Ende's works are loved by both children and adults. In an ordinary era devoid of soul, Michael Ende, through his immortal works, saved a kingdom that was almost lost—the world of fantasy. Today, the International Youth Library in Munich has a Michael Ende Memorial, and readers around the world will never forget this immortal pioneer of the soul and tireless dream hunter. The Neverending Story is another of Ende's most representative works. In Germany, it is as widely known as Journey to the West is in China. This work tells a story so captivating that one cannot help but want to read it in one sitting. The protagonist, Bastian, accidentally discovers a strange book on his way to school: The Neverending Story—the fantasy kingdom is being destroyed, and the innocent Empress is on the brink of death. Only a child from the human world can give her a new name, and with that, she and the fantasy kingdom will be saved. Thus, Bastian is drawn into the story, becoming the savior of the innocent Empress and the fantasy kingdom. This book contains many small stories within the larger narrative, each capable of standing alone while also being interconnected. The content is both a story of the fantasy world and a story of the real world. Its rich imagination, intricate plot, and substantial length all rank as Ende's pinnacle of work.