Abstract
The novel "The Never Endmg Story" by Micheal Ende was No. 1 on the weekly bestseller-list of the German news magazine 'Der Spiegel' for at least 3 years and 3 months. This long-term run was an outstanding record for any book published in post-war Germany. The 'Reader', a boy called Bastian, enters the story himself and in this world of Fantasy he undergoes many experiences, struggles with different thoughts, and gradually matures after several defeats, errors, disappointments and victories, becoming more and more conscious of his true "self". The literary style of this book full to the brim with its fantastic words is aimed first at the young generation, but at the same time, it also delivers a strong message to all adults of the 20th century who seem to have lost their sense for Fantasy - encouraging them with an energetic appeal to re-discover Fantasy and poetics in order to create a balance with the too realistic-minded world of adults. Being structured in an ambigious style and combined with numerous images, this novel suggests a possible way to correct the difficulties in our society. Therefore, this novel aims not only at the young generation but also carries a strong message for all adults.
