Reviews with content warning for War - The Moon Is Down

Reviews tagging 'War'

The Moon Is Down by John Steinbeck

5 reviews

cranedphoenix's review against another edition

dark reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Someone told me read this after reading Of Mice and Men
Slow book but very good in that understands war and the mindset of people fighting for freedom

Content Warnings

surdiablo's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

It never ceases to amaze me how many powerful moments Steinbeck manages to pack into these 100-page novellas. This was apparently written as propaganda for the Allies during WW2, based on what Steinbeck learned from the European refugees back then. But damn.. it feels so much more than that. This book captures the fighting spirit of humanity when their freedom is taken away, as well as the difficult choices that arise during war. The characters are fleshed out enough considering it's a novella, and Steinbeck as usual, creates such a realistic environment with palpable tension, where you can't help but feel awe regarding the way he crafts these impactful events taking place gradually. What I found most interesting was how he explored the psyche of both the invaded and the invaders, creating such a nuanced portrayal when it comes to the effects of war on people. ( And ofc, he got a lot of flak for it back then ). Overall, this is such an inspiring book filled with so many memorable quotes, and considering how this book circulated everywhere in Europe regardless of being banned, I am sure it had such a profound effect on people back then. At least, I know it had such an effect on me for sure, sitting here reading it while never going through any horrors of war myself. ( Below is a passage I really liked. )

“We have taken on a job, haven’t we?”
“Yes,” said the Mayor, “the one impossible job in the world, the one thing that can’t be done.”
“And that is?”
“To break man’s spirit permanently.”

Content Warnings