Moment 22
- First published 1970
- 672 pages
- Swedish
- Classic
Set during World War II, Captain John Yossarian is a U.S. Army Air Forces bombardier stationed on the island of Pianosa, off the coast of Italy. He is enraged because thousands of people he has never met are trying to kill him. Yossarian's primary goal is to survive the war, but his attempts to avoid dangerous combat missions are continually thwarted by his commanding officers who persistently increase the number of missions required before a soldier can be sent home.
This predicament is governed by "Catch-22," a paradoxical military regulation that dictates if a man is insane enough to fly dangerous missions, he is sane enough to continue flying them. Conversely, if he requests to be grounded, the very act of wanting to avoid combat proves his sanity, thus making him ineligible for relief. Joseph Heller's debut novel explores the absurdity of war and military bureaucracy through a darkly humorous and satirical lens, presenting a world where logic is inverted and the individual struggles against an inescapable, irrational system.
This predicament is governed by "Catch-22," a paradoxical military regulation that dictates if a man is insane enough to fly dangerous missions, he is sane enough to continue flying them. Conversely, if he requests to be grounded, the very act of wanting to avoid combat proves his sanity, thus making him ineligible for relief. Joseph Heller's debut novel explores the absurdity of war and military bureaucracy through a darkly humorous and satirical lens, presenting a world where logic is inverted and the individual struggles against an inescapable, irrational system.
What readers say
3.99
907K ratings across the web 7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Joseph Heller's Catch-22 is widely celebrated for its brilliant and unique contribution to American literature, particularly as a powerful anti-war satire. Reviewers frequently laud its hilarious, dark, and often absurd humor, which some describe as "absurdilarious" and a "masterpiece of gallows humor." The novel is praised for its ingenious and smart writing, featuring zesty prose and clever wordplay that perfectly skewers bureaucracy and societal illogic. Many readers are captivated by its extensive cast of memorable and engaging characters, and the book is lauded for its profound depiction of the insanity, nihilism, and chaotic absurdity inherent in both war and institutional systems. It is consistently recognized as a classic, a masterpiece, and one of the most important American novels, having significantly influenced culture and introduced the iconic phrase "Catch-22" into common parlance. Its deeply philosophical themes encourage readers to question authority, government, and established norms.
However, the novel's unconventional narrative style, characterized by its non-linear progression, fragmentation, and frequent repetition, proves to be a significant point of contention for many readers. This approach can lead to feelings of frustration, disorientation, and confusion, with some reviewers describing the circular conversations and recurring scenarios as tedious, infantile, or simply not funny. The book's considerable length and deliberate pacing are often cited as challenges, with numerous readers finding the initial 100-250 pages slow or "torture to get through." Some express annoyance with the dialogue and characters, feeling that the story doesn't progress linearly or that the humor wears thin, leading to a desire for the book to conclude sooner. For these readers, the pervasive absurdity and lack of a straightforward plot can exceed their personal tolerance levels.
Ultimately, Catch-22 is a polarizing work that evokes strong reactions, with readers either passionately loving it as a groundbreaking masterpiece or struggling immensely with its style. It stands as a profound anti-war statement and a sharp critique of bureaucratic absurdity and human nature under duress. The novel is highly recommended for patient readers who appreciate dark satire, philosophical depth, and unconventional narrative structures reminiscent of Kafka or postmodern literature. It is particularly suited for those who seek literary works that challenge conventions, expose societal flaws, and provoke critical thought, even if it requires enduring initial confusion or repetitive elements. Conversely, readers who prefer linear plots, direct humor, clear character development, or a concise narrative may find this book a challenging and potentially frustrating experience.
However, the novel's unconventional narrative style, characterized by its non-linear progression, fragmentation, and frequent repetition, proves to be a significant point of contention for many readers. This approach can lead to feelings of frustration, disorientation, and confusion, with some reviewers describing the circular conversations and recurring scenarios as tedious, infantile, or simply not funny. The book's considerable length and deliberate pacing are often cited as challenges, with numerous readers finding the initial 100-250 pages slow or "torture to get through." Some express annoyance with the dialogue and characters, feeling that the story doesn't progress linearly or that the humor wears thin, leading to a desire for the book to conclude sooner. For these readers, the pervasive absurdity and lack of a straightforward plot can exceed their personal tolerance levels.
Ultimately, Catch-22 is a polarizing work that evokes strong reactions, with readers either passionately loving it as a groundbreaking masterpiece or struggling immensely with its style. It stands as a profound anti-war statement and a sharp critique of bureaucratic absurdity and human nature under duress. The novel is highly recommended for patient readers who appreciate dark satire, philosophical depth, and unconventional narrative structures reminiscent of Kafka or postmodern literature. It is particularly suited for those who seek literary works that challenge conventions, expose societal flaws, and provoke critical thought, even if it requires enduring initial confusion or repetitive elements. Conversely, readers who prefer linear plots, direct humor, clear character development, or a concise narrative may find this book a challenging and potentially frustrating experience.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Bonnier Pocket, 2011
- ISBN
- 9789174291995
- Language
- Swedish
Original edition Catch-22 Originally published in 1970 · English · Corgi Books
