MOMO MICHAEL ENDE

Recommended for:

• People who want to think about time: “Momo” deeply explores the use and value of time.

• People who want to learn lessons through stories: This novel is known for conveying life lessons through its narrative.

• Fans of fantasy: Ende’s works are rich in fantasy elements, offering an imaginative world.

• Those interested in social criticism: “Momo” points out issues in modern society and encourages readers to reflect.

• A wide age ranges from children to adults: The simple yet profound messages make it suitable for all ages.

• People seeking heartwarming stories: Momo’s adventures touch many hearts and provide a heartwarming experience.

Synopsis:

Momo” is a fantasy centered around the concept of time.
A mysterious girl named Momo appears in the ruins of an amphitheater on the outskirts of town. She has a special talent: people feel happy when they talk to her. However, “time thieves,” gray men, appear in the town and start stealing people’s precious “time.”
The gray men deceive people by saying, “Depositing time in the time savings bank will double your life,” leading people to save time but lose the joys of life. Momo, along with her friends Beppo the street sweeper and Gigi the tour guide, confronts this problem.
The story begins when Momo meets an old gentleman named Master Hora, who guides her to the land of time. Master Hora, who governs time, teaches Momo the truth about time and helps her find a way to thwart the gray men’s plans. Momo uses the flowers of time to reclaim time and bring peace back to the hearts of the townspeople.
This story provides deep insights into the value of time and human life, while also warning against the loss of humanity in the pursuit of efficiency in modern society.

About the Author:

Biography:

Michael Ende was a children’s literature author born on November 12, 1929, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. His father was the surrealist painter, Edgar Ende. Michael Ende engaged in theatrical activities while creating various plays, poems, and novels.
His notable works include “Momo” and “The Never ending Story.” Particularly, “Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver” won the German Youth Literature Prize in 1961, bringing widespread recognition to his work. He continued to receive many awards and gained international acclaim.
Ende had a deep connection with Japan, marrying Mariko Sato, the translator of “The Never ending Story,” in 1989. His works are beloved by many readers in Japan, and Iwanami Shoten has published the “Ende Complete Works” (19 volumes).
He passed away from stomach cancer on August 28, 1995, at the age of 65 in Filderstadt, Germany. His funeral was held at the Christian Community in Munich.
Michael Ende’s works, with their unique blend of fantasy and reality and deep philosophical reflections, continue to be read by many people.

Writing Style:

• Fusion of Fantasy and Reality: Ende’s works depict worlds where reality and fantasy intersect. His stories invite readers into a world of imagination away from reality.

• Deep Philosophical Reflections: His stories are not just adventures but also explore philosophical themes such as time, existence, and the meaning of life.

• Fairy Tale Elements: Ende’s works show the influence of traditional German fairy tales, with dreams and magic playing important roles.

• Memorable Quotes and Lessons: His works contain many memorable quotes and life lessons, leaving a deep impression on readers.

• Social Criticism: Through his works, Ende points out societal issues and provides readers with opportunities to think. In particular, “Momo” criticizes modern society’s attitude towards time.

Notable Works:

• “Momo”: A heartwarming story that makes readers think about time and its use.

• “The Never ending Story”: An adventure in a fantasy world, focusing on self-discovery and the importance of courage.

• “Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver”: A children’s book about adventure and friendship, which won the German Youth Literature Prize.

• “Jim Button and the Wild 13”: The sequel to the Jim Button series, depicting adventures with pirates.

• “Mirror in the Mirror”: A collection of short stories themed around mirrors.