The Moon Is Down

by John Steinbeck

Genres: Classics; Historical Fiction; War & Military

Synopsis

At the height of Nazi Germany’s power, John Steinbeck created The Moon Is Down as a “celebration of the durability of democracy.” Within one year this compelling fable was made into a motion picture in the United States. In occupied countries, it was secretly translated, printed clandestinely, and circulated by the hundreds of thousands. One Sunday morning, invaders march into a peaceful village. Within minutes the military band is playing sentimental music in the square. While the stunned townspeople listen docilely, the commanding officer Colonel Lanser and his soldiers celebrate their easy victory. As the days and weeks wear on, however, the occupying force wonders who really controls the village. This remarkable novel, written to proclaim the worth and power of the individual, continues to intrigue readers around the world. Veteran narrator George Guidall’s masterful rendition increases the tension and drama of this short novel that was written to be both read and performed.

Release date: November 1, 1995

Publisher: Penguin Classics

Print pages: 144