The Moon Is Down is a remarkable novel; a perspective of war I didn't think I would find. Succinct and moving, it shows humanity on both sides, and the act of occupation wearing on the enemy soldiers. Written in 1942, it tells of the military invasion of a remote town (perhaps in Norway) by the army of an unnamed nation at war (Germany).
I found this a timeless classic that hits all the right notes.
By ten-forty-five it was all over. The town was occupied, the invading enemy quickly and easily overtaking the unsuspecting people, the defenders defeated. The town was chosen for its access to a coal mine and railway links. When the town leaders gather in the square to demand their rights, they are taken prisoner of war and locked up. The townspeople stood in the square open-mouthed, watching the grey helmeted soldiers with their submachine guns.
Mayor Orden is astonished to learn a spy lived amongst them, preparing the way for takeover. Colonel Lanser informs the Mayor this is more of a business venture, an engineering job where local miners will continue producing coal for the German army. Lanser is respectful and wishes them to get along as best they can. He believes the rest of the country to be taken with minor resistance, it was well planned. If people do not want trouble, Orden can endorse the invaders and smooth the transition. Orden remains cool and dispassionate, asserting he does not have that power - indeed, the town is its own authority and he cannot force anyone to work. When the people decide on a direction, that is what they will do.
The Germans are mystified the townspeople did not warmly welcome them - they had been told they were liberating them. Instead, the villagers defy them. One miner declares himself a free man, and a German is killed in the fight. In a makeshift trial, Colonel Lanser sentences him to death automatically. Lansers orders are inexorable, he must get the coal, even by brute force. If the man is shot publicly, it will stop others from uprising, yet Orden points out, it will make the people one.
Mayor Orden and Colonel Lanser have many conversations on this subject. It is impossible to break a man's spirit permanently. People will retaliate. This military pattern has been proven wrong many times; I kill you, you kill me, until you kill all of us or we kill all of you.
The fascinating angle of this novel is the Germans bewilderment and hopelessness at being ostracized. The young men spend their time lonely, missing their families, and dreaming of home. They long for a time when people would smile and say hello, but no one will look them in the eye. After the war it would be nice to settle in this lovely countryside, perhaps with a pretty girl - instead they have hot water thrown on them. Being shunned wears at their soul, and they wish it to be over. They were told they would win everywhere, half the world cheering the new order, but there has been no word. They were told people would like them, admire them. They do not. They only hate them. And is shooting them the only way to have authority? It must be so.
I've never read a novel which portrayed the invading force with compassion, showing that both sides of a war are just made up of simple people, who perhaps want to be liked and accepted.
This was written to motivate resistance movements in occupied countries, and there have been over 200 editions published secretly across occupied Europe - a French language translation was published illegally in Nazi-occupied France. Although it never references Germany, the invaders follow a Leader which clearly suggests it.
It was adapted for theatre in 1942, opening in New York and London, for which Steinbeck received the Norwegian King Haakon VII Freedom Cross. It was filmed in 1943.
Excellent.
1942 / Paperback / 144 pages
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