The Book Report Episode #8
Episode #7
The Neverending Story By Micheal Ende
The book was first published, with the title Die unendliche Geschichte, in Germany in 1979. In 1983, it was translated into English. It was later transformed, a year later, into one of the most famous kids’ films of the 80s. And which created one of the most well-known film theme tunes.
The Book
The story follows the adventures of Bastian. A bullied kid who discovers a book he cannot walk away from. He ultimately steals it and hides away from everyone in the attic of his school. He gradually feels that he can never go home anymore. So he decides to stay forever in the attic until he realises he is part of an even bigger adventure to save the world of Fantasia.
Without knowing it. In modern terms, the character of Atreyu is his avatar as he travels to the world trying to find the cure for the dying Childlike Empress and the world of Fantasia as The Nothing slowly destroys it all. And through to the end. Atreyu doesn’t know he is bringing Bastian everywhere he goes.
Even though Bastian reads all of the things he reads. And additionally, all of the weird things he sees. He doesn’t give up until he achieves the objective of finishing the story.
What did I think
I was reading the book and reliving watching the film in my head when I watched it as a kid. But then, to find out that the film barely covers half of the book. This book is a children’s story. I suppose endeavouring to teach you about friendship and to be careful of what you wish for. And even though stealing is wrong, it can lead you on a wondrous adventure. Oh, and also, don’t be a bully.
Not forgetting the importance of accepting the person and the limitations of who you are. If you want to change and improve yourself, you must not take shortcuts.
The second half of the book is Bastian’s reward. And that reward comes with a price. The Childlike Empress give Bastian the necklace of Auryn. And the power of wishes. But it gets nasty. Although the wishes sound great. The problem is you lose parts of your memory that coincide with the desire. Eventually, it leads to forgetting who you are, and when that happens, you are done.
It’s been Going On For A Long Time.
It turns out that Bastian isn’t the first to give a name to the Childlike Empress. Those who came before were also given the magic of wishes. There is an actual town in Fantasia filled with people who eventually lose all of their memories and are left with a caretaker to wander around aimlessly for the rest of all eternity.
This is a side effect of not being born in Fantasia, and the Childlike Empress doesn’t seem to care about it. She has her new name, and that’s that.
Not to mention, she ghosts him for the rest of the story. But please remember that she is the be-all and end-all of Fantasia.
The story ends well, and Bastian gets what he has wanted from the beginning of the story. A relationship with his dad. It turns out that his mother had died a while ago, and his father, although present. He was never really there in his life due to his grief. But by the end of this story, they are back in each other’s life after finally, after the father realises that his son is missing.
If you do not want to read the book. Try this:
But of course, you cannot forget the second half.
Would I Recommend
Yes, simple put. But for the younger generation. Fair enough, there will be people like me who want to know if the film was actually a book. And read it for nostalgia purposes. But maybe read it to or with your kids and live the story together. And maybe afterwards, watch the movie.
All in all, I did enjoy the book. It was easy to read and relive some of my childhood. Because of that, I have given the score that I did.
Would you like to purchase your very own copy? Try these shops: Amazon UK USA. Waterstones. AbeBooks UK USA. eBay UK USA. Or maybe your local bookshop. Or maybe try your local library.
