Free men cannot start a war, but once it is started, they can fight on in defeat. Herd men, followers of a leader, cannot do that, and so it is always the herd men who win battles and the free men who win wars.

War is a complex and often confusing phenomenon. It is a time when our minds are clouded, and the line between what is real and what is not becomes blurred. In such a situation, words can have a powerful impact. They can provide strength and inspiration to those who are fighting for their freedom and independence.


I have a habit of not reading reviews before picking up a book, and I also tend to forget the ones I've read a long time ago. This worked to my advantage when I read this novel. I didn't know anything about its background until I read the Afterword by Donald V. Coers. To my surprise, I learned that this work by an author I admire had been labeled as "Propaganda."


Steinbeck's novel is set in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II. Through an anonymous pseudo-plot, he tells a simple yet powerful story about the underground resistance activities in the country. Steinbeck had actively volunteered for government information and intelligence agencies during the war, which gave him first-hand knowledge of the situation in occupied countries. This experience influenced his writing and made the story all the more realistic.


The book was first published in the USA in 1942, after some changes and borrowing the title from Macbeth. It was released at a time when the attack on Pearl Harbor had just occurred, and it became one of the biggest literary controversies of that time. Critics labeled Steinbeck as naïve, but the book had already found its way to Western Europe and China, where it was recognized as an important contribution to the fight for independence.


This book is different from Steinbeck's other works. It has a unique blend of humor and tragedy, and it transcends the limitations of a propaganda book. It shows that even in the midst of war, there is still hope and the possibility of victory. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history, literature, or the human spirit.

5 stars for this classic story of resistance to fascists. I added this rating after hearing Tom Morello from "Rage Against the Machine" talking about it on his radio show. For a novella, Steinbeck really packs quite a punch. The story is filled with intense emotions and powerful themes. The villagers in the story show amazing courage and resilience in the face of the fascist threat. Their determination to fight for their freedom and dignity is truly inspiring. The ending was

This is a short but highly impactful book. Although it is written about the period during World War II, not much has changed in the world.

A village that has not been occupied is being occupied with the intention of using its minerals. At first, those who cannot understand the situation start to resist even in small ways when they feel that their freedoms have been taken away. The occupiers are afraid of an increasingly growing group, and because of their fear, they kill more people. However, they cannot stop those who defend their village and people, and as they cannot stop them, they even strengthen them.

What I liked most about the book was that it did not completely undermine one side while glorifying the other. In fact, some of the occupying soldiers do not really know why they occupied that village and what they did. The leaders of the state said you will go, they went; you will occupy - they call this 'conquest' - they occupied; you will kill, they killed. In fact, one of the reasons they did these things was to return to their homes, wives, lovers, and the environment they were accustomed to as soon as possible. The book allows you to approach both sides with a certain amount of empathy when reading.

On the cover of the book, it is stated that the book is a hope for the resistors. It is not difficult to understand why. I can easily say that it is a very inspiring book when thinking about that period.

The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck is a significant work. It was penned in 1942 during Steinbeck's tenure with the Office of Coordinator of Information (COI), a forerunner of the CIA. The story unfolds in a peaceful nation, similar to Norway or Finland, that has fallen victim to the invasion of a larger and more powerful country. The narrative delves into the arduous efforts of the local townspeople as they strive to reclaim their freedom from the invaders, who bear a resemblance to the Nazis. Interestingly, the invading soldiers are not simply depicted as a cold military machine but are shown with real human emotions. When confronted with an active local resistance movement that has them fearing for their safety, one soldier utters the memorable line, "The flies have conquered the flypaper." This small yet impactful novel was translated, clandestinely printed, and distributed by the local resistance in Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and France. Even the Chinese, who had a portion of their country occupied by Japan, published it in 1943. The Moon is Down is a book that compels the reader to contemplate freedom and war from the perspectives of both the invaders and the conquered people.

The Moon is Down

I just picked this up from a used bookstore for $8 and it’s a first edition??? Holy shit.

I can't believe my luck. I was just browsing through the shelves, not really expecting to find anything special. But then, there it was, hidden among the other books. A first edition of a book that I've been wanting to read for a long time.

I quickly checked the price, thinking it would be way out of my budget. But to my surprise, it was only $8. I didn't hesitate for a second. I grabbed it and took it to the cashier.

As I walked out of the bookstore, I felt like I had just won the lottery. This is going to be a great addition to my collection. I can't wait to start reading it and see what all the fuss is about.

A straightforward and intriguing novel about local resistance to Nazi occupation in WW2.

This novel presents a captivating account of the brave actions taken by the local people during the dark days of Nazi occupation. It delves into the lives of ordinary individuals who, despite the overwhelming odds, decided to fight back.

The story unfolds with vivid descriptions of the challenges and hardships faced by the resistance fighters. We witness their acts of sabotage, espionage, and acts of courage that inspire hope in the face of tyranny.

As the narrative progresses, we are introduced to a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motives and personalities. Their determination and unity in the face of adversity make for a truly engaging read.

Overall, this novel offers a unique perspective on WW2 and the power of the human spirit to resist oppression. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history and stories of courage and perseverance.

**Reading "The Moon Is Down"**

In 1941, John Steinbeck had a meeting with the officials of the Foreign Information Service in Washington D.C. They discussed the idea of him writing a book to support American propaganda during WW II. Steinbeck first prepared a draft of a play that was set in a town in the United States occupied by the Germans. However, this setting was not approved by the Foreign Information Service. So, Steinbeck revised his work. He then wrote a short novel set in a small town in an unnamed Scandinavian country that had been invaded and occupied by the Germans. The resulting book, "The Moon is Down", was published in 1942. It was later turned into a play and opened on Broadway in the same year. A film version of the book also came out in 1943. In 1946, Steinbeck was awarded the King Haakon Liberty Cross from Norway for this novel.

Today, "The Moon is Down" may not be as well-known as some of Steinbeck's other works. But it can still be compared to his best. The story progresses quickly, the characterizations are effective, and it makes a powerful and timeless point about the nature of human liberty. The story begins when the Germans invade a small village by sea to use its coal resources for the war effort. For a short novel, it presents a diverse range of characters, each of which is developed individually. These include the German commander, Colonel Lanser, an educated and cultured man who obeys all orders but has serious doubts about Germany's war effort and aims. The book also describes several members of Colonel Lanser's Officer Corps, some of whom are arrogant and full of military ambition, while others are lonely and渴望女性的陪伴.
The book also has good characterizations of the townspeople. Among them, the reader meets Corell, the local who collaborates with the Germans and helps with the invasion, the mayor of the town, Mayor Orden, his friend, Dr Winter, and a woman with an indomitable spirit, Molly, whose husband has been shot by the invaders. The book shows the conflict and enmity that develops between the invaders and the invaded as the Germans use increasingly harsh methods to secure the coal and the townspeople strengthen their resistance in defense of freedom. Despite Steinbeck's recognition of the common humanity of all the characters in his story, the book is a powerful affirmation of freedom and the human spirit. It is much more than just a simple propaganda effort.
The book makes strong use of the products of human creativity and thought to emphasize the value of human freedom. The climactic scene of the book includes a long discussion of Plato's "Apology" in which Mayor Orden, Dr. Winter, and Colonel Lanser all take part. Earlier in the book, at another important moment, love poetry by the German author Heinrich Heine plays a crucial role in advancing the story. I found "The Moon is Down" to be much more effective than some of Steinbeck's other short novels that are often assigned to young readers. Although the book is short and easy to read, it is a work of some complexity and has a variety of characters. Steinbeck achieved the goals of the Foreign Information Service with this work; but more importantly, he created a work of literature that went beyond the aims of the war effort.
Robin Friedman

Silent, yet tenacious, the value of freedom is expressed like a stentorian voice throughout the entire novel.

Freedom is desired by the conquered people, who do not submit to any abuse or imposition, in the name of an inalienable human and personal dignity.

Freedom is also desired by the conqueror himself, deceived by the false prospects of his superiors, forced to continue a war in which he often finds himself not believing or carrying out orders that he no longer feels are his own.

This theme of freedom weaves through the narrative, creating a complex and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

It shows how freedom is not only a political or social concept but also a deeply personal one, something that individuals will fight for and sacrifice for, even in the face of great odds.

The novel thus becomes a powerful meditation on the meaning and importance of freedom in our lives.

Such a brilliant little novel! It commences rather slowly, but after approximately forty pages, I was completely drawn in. Composed in 1942, it is a distinct parallel to the progression of WWII, even though the occupying forces are never assigned to a specific region. It is a captivating exploration of the human spirit under duress - for both the vanquished and the victors. The fact that Steinbeck reveals the human aspect of the conquerors themselves is also invigorating and emphasizes the fact that war is a game that very few individuals desire to play.

Steinbeck once again demonstrates that he is an outstanding writer. His ability to create a vivid and engaging story, filled with complex characters and profound themes, is truly remarkable. The novel not only provides a historical perspective on war but also delves deep into the psychological and emotional states of the people involved. It makes the reader think about the consequences of war and the true nature of humanity. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, or the human condition.

In every war, a victory and a conquest that seems glorious at one moment can turn into a defeat and a downfall the next.

There is a short and very beautiful description of the aggression of the invaders and the spirits of the weak occupiers in the days after the occupation, as well as the hatred and unity of the occupied and their refusal to surrender.

Wars bring great destruction and pain, and the outcome is often unpredictable. The invaders may initially seem powerful and victorious, but the resistance and determination of the occupied can turn the tide.

The unity and hatred of the occupied can fuel their fight for freedom and independence. They will not easily give in to the occupiers, but will continue to resist until they achieve victory.

In the end, it is the will and spirit of the people that determine the outcome of a war, not just the strength of the military.

This is the second book by Jan Steinbeck (Steinbeck, now whatever) that I have read after "Of Mice and Men", and I think he has become one of my favorite writers. Steinbeck, the god of endings. The way that when you reach the last page, you say to yourself: Oh my! Could it have ended any better than this?

Jan Steinbeck's writing has a unique charm. His stories are filled with vivid characters and realistic descriptions that make you feel as if you are right there in the midst of the action. In this book, just like in his other works, he manages to capture the essence of human nature and the struggles that we face in life.

The plot is engaging and keeps you hooked from start to finish. There are twists and turns that you don't expect, which add to the excitement. The ending, in particular, is simply perfect. It ties up all the loose ends and leaves you with a sense of satisfaction. I can't wait to read more of Steinbeck's books and explore his wonderful world of literature.

After reading four books by John Steinbeck, I definitely consider him as one of my favorite authors in classic literature.

This book delves into the resistance of the people in a small town against the overwhelming German soldiers. They have always been in peace and away from war in different periods.

What attracted my attention in the text was that the hatred of the soldiers for their situation and being imprisoned in a conquered town was exactly the same as the hatred of the people in the town for war and the invaders. But instead of trying to escape from the situation, they fell more into the web of laws, and the actions according to those laws had significance and value for them as if they were worshipping a god (precursor).

The dialogues exchanged between the German general and the mayor of the town formed the most attractive and memorable part of the story.

John Steinbeck writes about the spirit and sanctity of life. He writes so deeply and affectionately that it makes people read his books several times and enjoy them more each time.