A review by wanderingstories
Momo by Michael Ende

5.0

"Die ganze Welt ist eine große Geschichte und wir spielen darin mit."

"Soweit ich mich erinnern kann, war ich schon immer da."

Momo is about friendship, what it means to be a friend and to care for others. It's also about "time" and how life shouldn't be measured by it.

This is how the story starts: Momo appears out of thin air in the old amphitheatre and people around that village start an unusual and beautiful friendship with her. They come to her for advice or just to talk to her. All they know is that they feel better afterwards. Perhaps its because Momo is such an exceptional listener?

It's also about controlling the masses (mostly adults in the book) by brainwashing them with something called "time" and taking away everything that is beautiful. The Grey men tempt them by illusionary things that will never happen.
The Grey Men (Die Grauen Herren) reminded me of the Dementors from Harry Potter and the 'Elite'. I think this description is perfect for them. They suck everything that is beautiful about life away.

To be honest, I also wouldn't say it's a "children's book", it's so much more. It's quite mature and I don't think every child would actually get the story.

It's an amazing book! A new favourite of mine and I think this one should be up on the 'top reads' with all the other classics. A must-read for everyone!

"Man muss nur immer mehr und mehr haben, dann langweilt man sich niemals." (Der Graue Mann zu Momo)