"This novel is set in a small town in Norway during World War II, a unique setting for a Steinbeck novel. Nazis have occupied, overrun and exploited the town, because of help from a trusted member of the community who was in reality a Nazi spy.
Although the war-weary Nazi Colonel and his men are able to force the townspeople to work in the mines for Nazi Europe's war machine, they are shocked that the townspeople do not immediately celebrate the Nazi cause or the occupation of their town. As the plot progress - and fairly predictably, without detracting from it - the townspeople engage in small, morale-boosting acts of rebellion while the Nazis are left wondering if their reports from home of thrilling victories are empty words that fail to provide comfort through the long winter.
The novel is a very quick read and is reminiscient of a play; most of the action is inferred or discussed through dialogue, and the thoughts of the main characters are also revealed through the same."
Shelley Livaudais, Resident Scholar
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Review Analysis of The Moon is Down
Our unique search engine provides a wealth of detail about books by breaking them down into many different literary elements, all of which are searchable (click here).
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Tone of book?
- thoughtful
Time/era of story
- 1930's-1950's
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
War/Revolt/Disaster on civilians
Yes
Conflict:
- War, WW II
Main Character
Gender
- Male
Profession/status:
- politician/elected ruler
Age:
- 40's-50's
Is this an ordinary person caught up in events?
Yes
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 40's-50's
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- an above average amount
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Setting
How much descriptions of surroundings?
- 5 (an average amount)
Europe
Yes
European country:
- Scandinavia
Style
Person
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
Unusual Style:
- No single main character?
Amount of dialog
- mostly dialog
