Most works of propaganda don't hold up outside the circumstances that beget them, but The Moon is Down is definitely an exception. Steinbeck showcases his skills as a compassionate author, who is able to realize and portray the feelings of the characters/lives of folks thousands of miles away whom he's never met. Unlike most other propaganda of the time which was caricatured sensationalist & evil nazis, Steinbeck's novel is far more successful since it humanizes the Nazis and makes them evil still. The indominatable spirit of democracy shines through in the protagonist mayor's nonchalance "idk, they'll cast me away as soon as I cease to serve them" response when posed by threats from the invading officers to keep his populace under control. Kind cool that Steinbeck wrote this directly for the OSS (pre-CIA).

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