TEHRAN-The Persian translation of the fantasy novel “The Neverending Story” by German writer Michael Ende has been released in the Iranian book market.

Mehrdad Bazyari has translated the book and Hermes Publication has brought it out in 446 pages, Mehr reported.

This epic work of the imagination has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide since it was first published in 1979. Its special story within a story is an irresistible invitation for readers to become part of the book itself.

The story begins with a lonely boy named Bastian and the strange book that draws him into the beautiful but doomed world of Fantastica. Only a human can save this enchanted place by giving its ruler, the Childlike Empress, a new name. But the journey to her tower leads through lands of dragons, giants, monsters, and magic, and once Bastian begins his quest, he may never return. As he is drawn deeper into Fantastica, he must find the courage to face unspeakable foes and the mysteries of his own heart.

As of 2010, “The Neverending Story” has been translated into 36 languages, and sold more than eight million copies worldwide.

The novel was adapted into a film of the same name in 1984, directed by Wolfgang Petersen. It covers only the first half of the book, ending at the point where Bastian enters Fantastica (renamed "Fantasia" in the film).

Michael Ende (1929-1995) was a German writer of fantasy and children's literature. He was one of the most popular and famous German authors of the 20th century, mostly due to the enormous success of his children's books. 

However, Ende was not strictly a children’s author, as he also wrote books for adults. Ende’s writing could be described as a surreal mixture of reality and fantasy. The reader is often invited to take a more interactive role in the story, and the worlds in his books often mirror our reality, using fantasy to bring light to the problems of an increasingly technological modern society.

Ende's works have been translated into more than 40 languages and sold more than 20 million copies, and have been adapted into motion pictures, stage plays, operas, and audio books.

SS/SAB