The Moon is Down chronicles the uncontrollable, unalterable chain of events that is released by an act of brutality. In a masterful tale of the effects of invasion on both conquerer and conquered, John Steinbeck delves into the motivations and emotions of a German commander who is "only following orders", and paints a devastatingly accurate portrait of a Norwegian traitor. He brings brilliantly to life the patriotic fervor of the men and women of the Norwegian underground who refused to let their spirit die.