A review by jayneyh314
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Bastian Balthazar Bux is having a hard time at school, his Mum has passed away and his Dad seems to be too lost in his own grief to be of much help to Bastian. When he enters Mr Coreander’s store and takes the copy of “The Neverending Story” he could never have dreamed of the adventure he was about to go on. 

I loved the film of “The Neverending Story” as a kid but somehow never knew there was a book until fairly recently. This is translated from the original German. 

The part of the book that is covered by the film is basically the first half, which was quite a close adaption. The second half was then completely new to me. It was so lovely to read about the characters I feel I know so well, such a comforting feeling. 

I really wish I had read this as a child because I feel it would have been a totally different experience. I have always been very firmly in the camp of the book is better. In this case, however, it’s definitely the film for me, but I don’t know if that’s partly due to the childhood nostalgia associated with it. I could tell the difference once I moved into the second half and I could no longer recognise the film I loved. 

I’m obviously not the target audience but I did enjoy it. It was a nice easy read and I’m glad I’ve finally read it.