Book cover of The Moon is Down

Book description

Occupied by enemy troops, a small, peaceable town comes face-to-face with evil imposed from the outside—and betrayal born within the close-knit community

A Penguin Classic

In this masterful tale set in Norway during World War II, Steinbeck explores the effects of invasion on both the conquered and the conquerors. As…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Moon is Down as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Steinbeck wrote this novel about a country occupied by the Nazis during World War II.

Although the name of this country is never mentioned, it was generally acknowledged that it was Norway. The focus is on one particular town and shows what life is like when you are not free and live in constant fear.

This book found its way to Europe and was translated into European languages and widely distributed clandestinely. It served to encourage occupied countries to rebel against their oppressor.

If you love The Moon is Down...

Ad

Book cover of You Speak For Me Now

You Speak For Me Now by Sandy Graham,

How can a musically gifted man and deaf introverted woman find a compatible life together? And rise to the challenge of lighting a path to a better future for human society?

This powerful story of interconnected lives, ironic twists, and democratic challenges that move from the personal to the political…

Want books like The Moon is Down?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Moon is Down.

Browse books like The Moon is Down

Book cover of The Book Thief
Book cover of War in Val d'Orcia: An Italian War Diary, 1943-1944
Book cover of The Jossing Affair

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Moon is Down, you might also like...

Book cover of Red

Red by Evelyn M. Exley,

The wolves of the Wood do more than hunt you… they know your name.

When Red’s life collides with the royal family of Alameth, she is drawn into the haunting mystery of the wolves and the shadowed Wood that preys on her and her people. But as darkness closes in,…

Book cover of The Dog boy

The Dog boy by Noel Anenberg,

The Dog Boy by Noel Anenberg is a historical novel set in 1945, following Phosie Mae Eaton, an African-American mother from Texas, as she travels to Los Angeles to care for her son, a heroic Marine wounded during the battle for Iwo Jima.

The story explores the racial tensions and…

5 book lists we think you will like!