The Neverending Story
This is my favorite cover to the book.
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
This book is one of my favorite books of all time. This will be the seventh time I’ve read the book, and I plan on doing this article as sort of a running commentary. This was the first real book I ever read, and I think it set the course for the rest of my reading (and writing) career. I hope to draw inspiration from it, and heartily enjoy it yet again. Lord knows my copy is well worn.
Prologue
In the few pages that begin this book Ende manages to sum up everything I’ve ever felt for books. He sparks my imagination with his words, and makes me love stories even more. I can see a lot of where my love for books comes from. This was a great first book. Something I look forward to coming back to again and again in my life.
I – Fantastica in Danger
I like how Ende arrives at a scene a moment before the characters who carry the scene show up. It’s like zeroing in on this first page.
You know, if you analyze Ende’s use of Bastian in the beginning of the book from the perspective of a directer of the stage, then you have some interesting bit of information for a writer. He has his main character fall in love with the book “The Neverending Story” within the book. I once listened to a commentary to “Victor/Victoria,” and Julie Andrews recalls a worry about whether or not the movie’s audience would buy her “man” persona. The director said something to the effect of: “they’ll buy it, because the other characters in the movie buy it.” And indeed, that is how things went for “Victor/Victoria” (I recommend this movie if you haven’t seen it). I think one of the reasons it is so easy for me to get into the story within “The Neverending Story” is due to Bastian’s excitement about it. As a writer, I think that may be important. Characters should be excited about their own stories. It helps the reader’s enjoyment of the book.
It’s interesting how Ende ends this first chapter: “But that’s another story and shall be told another time.” He ends the book that way too. It means different things at both points though. In this first chapter it could be translated as “But I digress.” In the end of the book, the final line being this said same, it’s more “The end, alas, or is it?” Poetic. It also makes me feel like I haven’t began the real meat of the story yet. As if the last 27 pages was a playful sketch, and now the artist is ready to begin painting.
II – Atreyu’s Mission
In chapter two, again with the thoughts of Bastian. The book practically interprets itself!
III – Morla the Aged One
And again Ende uses the line: “But that’s another story and shall be told another time.” Now I’m just interested in counting.
AURYN (movie version)
Oh, how I want to sob with Atreyu and Bastian! I do love how Ende makes use of AURYN throughout the book.
The way Ende’s mesh of Bastian and Atreyu’s story interweave is stunning, and an inspiration to my style of writing.
IV – Ygramul the Many
In the first few pages of this chapter I discover why I am so taken over by books. If you want to think about it psychologically that is. This book being the first real experience I’ve had with books. Bastian decides to continue reading, because Atreyu wouldn’t give up something he started. Very often my writing reflects something I’ve read. I can take on styles of the writers I read. I’ve always taken on those attributes I like in other writers. Writers are very much like chefs. We serve up a dinner of words and deeds and thoughts. We share ingredients with each other – grow from each other – and sometimes we create things that are remembered. Yet another reason I so love this book. This is also (probably) why I can’t bare not to finish a book (unless it is exceptionally terrible).
Ende really makes the reader feel things, even in his descriptions. I can hear the bell of the luckdragon’s voice…oh so calming.
V – The Gnomics
Engywook and Urgl are two of my favorite characters of all time. I once had a pair of hamsters named after them.
It’s always these two who make me remember the first time I read the book. I remember walking into the Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell. I was eleven years old, and it was the first time I’d wandered out of the children’s section and into the stacks. It was like going into the forbidden zone. The only copy of the book they had was a large print, and the book was unnaturally swollen. I was so proud of myself when I finished it. I think it took me a couple of months. This was a fine beginning to a noble career as a devoted devourer of books. Yet, it wasn’t until three years later that I started taking my reading seriously – one of the few things I can legitimately thank my father for forcing on me.
VI – The Three Magic Gates
My only dilemma after reading this chapter is which of my niblings (nieces and nephews) to give this book to. By the by, I just discovered the word “nibling.” I needed a gender neutral word, because I have only one niece and two nephews. I love the invention of new words, and this one is still unofficial. Use it people, it’s a good one!
VII – The Voice of Silence
I’m starting to think I AM Bastian, and Taftka is my Fantastica. Btw, he said it again. That makes three since the beginning of the book.
VIII – The Wind Giants
I wish the old movie had kept better faith in the book. This chapter melts seamlessly into the next, and it’s one of my favorite chapters. Rumor has it there will be a remake of the movie in 2012. We’ll see how that one works out. Of course, they may get it wrong again, but I have faith.
IX – Spook City
I am very bewitched by this story this time around. More so than ever before. I’m right there with Atreyu and Bastian, and I’m seeing myself reflected back at me. I want this for my books.
How can I stop reading now? The Nothing is closing in and I have a seat on…
X – The Flight to the Ivory Tower
I’ve noticed a lot of similarities to what I am writing and this book, but there are times when I blatantly disagree with what Ende is saying. In a lot of ways he brings me into the book, it’s chapters like this that he reminds us this is a book…that’s what I don’t believe in.
You know, I can’t say I was dragged out of the story. I just shot through this chapter. Loved it. I just don’t agree with some of Ende’s explanations. I’ve got similar things going on, but for different reasons…and different outcomes too.
XI – The Childlike Empress
This is where the movie really starts to deviate from the book, and where the book starts to get REALLY good. When I say the “movie deviates from the book” here, I mean the movie ends here. I remember the particularly incredulous feelings I had when I first got to this chapter. I was so psyched the story went on…and I couldn’t help but turn the page and continue reading. Still can’t.
XII – The Old Man of Wandering Mountain
Odd, I don’t think this character made it into the movies until movie three. It is rather sly how the Childlike Empress convinces Bastian to give her the name. I think I would have believed sooner though…I’m like that.
XIII – Perilin, The Night Forest
I like how they bastardized this chapter in the movie – trying to make a nice tight, feel good, Hollywood ending (no offense Hollywood). Sorry, for a book-nerd like me, chapters like this are gold gently etched with words.
XIV – The Desert of Colors
Grograman–my favorite character, hands down.
I’ve noticed, in many ways, Ende’s characters are tragic. Following my other analysis, this is very much akin to the kind of stories I write. It seems I’m coming full circle, making the connections, picking up my story and bringing it to Earth, renewing Fantastica again with my Taftka. I’m very glad I began this series on books with this book. It’s fitting, and the book is down-right brilliant.
This book also supports one of my theories on what makes good fiction: food. Lots and lots of food.
Awe, I always feel bad for Bastian here. I think I figured it out right away though, the first time I read it. Of course, some of those memories are clouded. I can’t be sure, but I like to think I knew was was going to be the outcome of the next chapter. Especially with a title like this:
XV – Grograman, the Many-Colored Death
Ou, I don’t think I’ve understood this chapter before. Most exciting is it’s subject matter this time around: time. Love the idea that time only exists when it is created. Instant past, present and future. Everything is always. I <3 this book.
This chapter is most existential. Rhiannon doesn’t like existentialism so much – at least not by it’s plain and simple definition in reality. However, I think, put in plain words such as these (speaking of wishes, where they come from, and how they work) she understands them as truth. It goes to show you the same truths can be lies with the wrong words.
Wow. This chapter startlingly resembles my life. I’ll only put it in simple terms here, maybe I’ll write a full blog about it later. Bastian’s transformation (his wishes) are very much like mine have been. When I was in Middle School I found some courage and came out of my shell. Then I discovered how much people liked my stories and I wanted to be known for them, and loved because of them. To see this happen to Bastian and me not realize it before…I’m a little frightened what the rest of this book holds. Will it show me how to succeed over the trials of today? Will I glimpse places I am headed? Or am I just taken over by the spell of this book, yet again? You decide. I’m going to…
XVI – The Silver City of Amarganth
You know what I find amusing? They took away Atreyu’s green skin for the movie. If they had only known then, that the token green skin of the Wicked Witch of the West (which was ADDED for “The Wizard of Oz” movie) would turn into Elphaba – epic dark heroine to many of us – lmao. Maybe they’ll keep him green in the remake…if they know what’s good for them. Oh, did you guys know there’s a “Wicked” movie in the works?
There is really no use of me thinking of the movies anymore. Even though the city made it into the movie, nothing is the same about it minus half the name (they just called it “The Silver City” in the movie). I don’t recall a lot of the specifics from this point on. Bastian has had an adventure with the Lion, then the Thousand Doors, now he’s had a battle, and he’s joined Atreyu and Falcor. I hope we get a nice juicy plot that’s not soley existential (as these past few chapters have been). However enjoyable, they are still tedious in a novel. I’ll be fine if we get a good plot in the next chapter. Otherwise, it’s just episodic…gosh, I hope I don’t lose interest. I love this book.
XVII – A Dragon for Hero Hynreck
Reading Bastian’s story I discover something very much like the way I write. Ende’s describing the process here. I get the event, place, person (whatever) into my head – I get the idea – and then figure out how that idea relates to the plot, my characters and everything else in the story I’m writing.
Four times and counting.
XVIII – The Acharis
You know, I think Bastian realizes something about the magic in everyday life that I was trying to convey in this blog I wrote the other day. Love it when stuff like that happens. Little coincidences.
Bastian’s memory loss. I disagree with this. This is definitely a point where my writing differs from Ende. I mean it all works very well here, and I’m compelled by the story and it’s action. But COME ON…you give the kid ultimate power in a fantasy world and you make it cost him his mind in order to learn a lesson? Can’t you just let the kid have fun?
As for the Acharis and Shlamoofs…I find this point a bit clouded. Why did the wish turn out wrong? Maybe I’m supposed to think that at this point, but I’ve been disagreeing with Ende for this whole chapter.
XIX – The Traveling Companions
In this chapter things start to pick up for me again. Bastian gets to ride Falcor, but he’s still on about the whole memory loss thing. At least, in this chapter, there is more of a threat. Bastian has a purpose again. That is what annoys me about the memory loss. Ende still hasn’t told us the real reason Bastian is losing his memory.
In the end of this chapter a great host of creatures join Bastian’s party. I just had to use a dictionary because this sentence lead me to a disturbing initial image: “[...]a stag with golden antlers who walked erect and wore a Prince Albert.” Stag, erect, and Prince Albert…anyone else thinking what I’m thinking? Hah! In this case, a Prince Albert must be referring to a “man’s double breasted coat.” Thanks Google, for clearing that up!
XX – The Seeing Hand
Finally, the chapter I’ve been waiting for since we left the Silver City. I believe this is part of the second movie…the castle made it in at least.
Well, the whole cast and setting made it into the movie, but I’m sure none of this plot did. I think I’ve realized fully what I don’t like about these chapters too. The same thing I didn’t like in the Harry Potter books – the angst. Bastian is very full of angst in this chapter, and I so often feel I’d have no reason to feel angst in worlds like Fantastica. I just want to smack Bastian up side the head, because I made the mistake he just made with Atreyu and Falcor.
The End?
Well, no. The book doesn’t end here. I am, however, ending (and posting) this review. I’ve grown a lot while reading this book. I used to be the kind of person to read multiple books at a time. Keeping up with each story was just as easy as keeping up with multiple television show plots. Pretty easy.
For some reason, my senior year of high school, I decided I’d only read one book (all the way to the end) at a time. I decided this because I wasn’t finishing some of the books I was reading, and I wanted to make myself. I think this may have been a bad choice. To go back to the television analogy: when a show gets bad, I usually stop watching.
I believe the ultimate reason I chose to do this was out of respect for the author. However, I no longer view reading as a chore. I love reading. I used to love reading more. I want to free my reading habits, and start finding the time to get to all the books I want to read. I have too many dry spells…too many times where I’m not reading at all. By doing this, I will always have something interesting to read. And the books I never finish…well, no offense to the author…it just wasn’t for me.
The end of “The Neverending Story” isn’t for me. I’ve been complaining for a great many chapters about how much I disagree with Ende’s choices. I hate what he puts Bastian through, and I think I always have. My vaguest memories of the book are the final chapters. I can never get through it. It’s all cake up to Silver City, but soon after it all goes down south.
I still consider this one of my favorite books of all time…if not THE favorite. I just can’t stand the end of the book! I’ll keep a bookmark in it, just in case. However, I think I’m moving on as well as changing my reading habits. Thanks book!
Tags: Books, Genre: Fanstasy, Movies, Writing
Thoughts on Books | Joey | 
30 September 2009 4:30 AM
Subscribe