“Conquered and we’re afraid; conquered and we’re surrounded.”

The Moon is Down is a short novel that has some elements of satire and historical fiction, but for the most part is a critique of war. I actually got some unexpected Vonnegut vibes from some of the characterization, themes, and humor, but there’s an otherwise prominent injection of drama and overt melancholy that isn’t present in much Vonnegut. Like with Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck has clearly modeled his storytelling approach on the drama medium. The story attempts to understand the relationship between conquerors and conquered in a war setting and the role of power in this relationship. It analyzes the irony of fairness in this type of relationship and how individuals from both sides struggle. Of course, the cruel realities of war, which include the death of civilians and betrayal, are also showcased. Steinbeck’s colorful characters and elegant prose make this an enjoyable read.