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The Moon Is Down

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The Moon Is Down, written by John Steinbeck, is a short novel set in an unnamed European country during World War II, where the country is invaded and conquered by an unnamed enemy. The story revolves around the occupation of a small town, the struggles faced by the townspeople under oppression, and their resistance against the invaders. The writing style is described as simple yet powerful, with vivid characters and a subtle sense of humor that balances the drama of the situation, making it an enjoyable and touching read.

Characters:

The characters are broadly drawn, emphasizing archetypal roles that illustrate the struggle between oppressor and oppressed, with a focus on their humanity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward and accessible, relying heavily on dialogue and ironic humor to explore the themes of war and occupation.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the occupation of a small town by Nazi soldiers and depicts the townspeople's journey from confusion to resistance, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit against tyranny.

Setting:

The setting is an anonymous northern European town during World War II, showcasing the themes of oppression and resistance in a relatable context.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and straightforward, making it a quick read while effectively conveying its themes.
By ten-forty-five it was all over. The town was occupied, the defenders defeated, and the war finished. The invader had prepared for this campaign as carefully as he had for larger ones. On this Sunda...

Notes:

The Moon Is Down was written during World War II as propaganda.
The novel's setting resembles Nazi-occupied Norway.
Steinbeck portrays both the occupiers and the townspeople with empathy, showcasing their humanity.
It emphasizes the resilience of free men against tyranny.
The phrase 'flies conquer the flypaper' symbolizes the occupiers' vulnerability.
Despite being written as propaganda, Steinbeck's work received criticism for its sympathetic portrayal of Nazi soldiers.
The book was banned in Germany and Italy but circulated illegally throughout occupied Europe.
Steinbeck received a medal from the King of Norway for the impact of the book.
The narrative explores themes of civil disobedience and moral resistance against oppression.
While the story is straightforward, its literary quality is noted for its lasting message.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, death (including executions), and the psychological impact of war.

From The Publisher:

Occupied by enemy troops, a small, peaceable town comes face-to-face with evil imposed from the outside-and betrayal born within the close-knit community

In this masterful tale set in Norway during World War II, Steinbeck explores the effects of invasion on both the conquered and the conquerors. As he delves into the emotions of the German commander and the Norwegian traitor, and depicts the spirited patriotism of the Norwegian underground, Steinbeck uncovers profound, often unsettling truths about war-and about human nature.

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About the Author:

John Steinbeck, born in Salinas, California, in 1902, grew up in a fertile agricultural valley, about 25 miles from the Pacific Coast. Both the valley and the coast would serve as settings for some of his best fiction. In 1919…

 
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