The Moon Is Down

By: John Steinbeck

Narrated by: George Guidall

"Free men cannot start a war, but once it is started, they can fight on in defeat." This compelling, dignified and moving novel was inspired by and based upon the Nazi invasion of neutral Norway. Set in an imaginary European mining town, it shows what happens when a ruthless totalitarian power is up against an occupied democracy with an overwhelming desire to be free.

©1942; 1970 John Steinbeck; Elaine A Steinbeck, Thom Steinbeck, John Steinbeck IV (P)2011 Penguin Audio

I have no idea what this book was going for

I was totally riveted until the end and I have no idea how I feel afterward. I kind of liked everyone. I guess that’s just war. Everything sucks.

Poignant, relevant still.

Characters could have been read more flatly, to greater effect. 1918, 1944, 1968, 2003, 2022 . . .

An Practical and Philosophical Viewpoint on War

I especially enjoyed the clean and unforgettable thinking used to rationalize wartime resistance. Aggressors violate Natural Law so resistant forces likewise aren't subject to Natural Law. Of course once war is over law returns.

Seeing the mental side of war from the perspective of the occupying army and how the morale of the conquerors makes them the defeated long before the surrender is insightful.

The theme was good but it was a bit boring <br />

There were only some moments when I appreciated the story but that was all. eeh

I like it a lot!

I have listened to and read this book several times. It gives me hope during dark times like 2020.

Great story

A great story with the typical Steinbeck ending. Good performance by the reader
Will not disappoint

Mr Steinbeck Goes to War

“There you are mistaken: a man who is good for anything ought not to calculate the chance of living or dying; he ought only to consider whether he is doing right or wrong.”
- John Steinbeck, The Moon is Down

"The moon is down; I have not heard the clock."
- Shakespeare, Act II, Scene i of Macbeth

I've been on a Steinbeck kick the last month. This is my fourth. I read a couple novellas and a nonfiction. This is one I knew very little about. I heard it was popular in Europe and the Soviet Union during the war and I'm still not sure if it was written at the request of any government or individual, but as a piece of literary propaganda it works out really well.

It is essentially the story of a village in an unnamed country (read Norway) that is invaded by another country (read Germany) and begins to initiate resistance to occupation. It was made into a play in 1942 (not great reviews) and later a film in 1943.

Not a perfect novel, but I think the thing that keeps bringing me back to Steinbeck is this generalization, while I think other writers (see Faulkner) are technically better writers, I get fed really well whenever I read Steinbeck. There is just something about his outlook, his moral philosophy, his vibe that I really roll with.

Some people never get this.

A great examination about what freedom truly is, even in 2022. The Ukraine shall prevail.

A Village Resists the Nazis

Classic tale of WW2 partisan resistance to a Nazi invader. Well written and performed flawlessly

Freedom vs Tyranny written lightly and effectively

Every young man and woman should read this and Steinbeck's other books. Freedom can never be stopped.