The impossible follow-up has arrived; and it's excellent., 13 Aug 2000

Having read the book, some of my initial scepticism faded. However, due to dramatic necessity, he does do a few things which seem out of character.

As a sequel, this works well. Seeing all the characters as they are in modern times is wonderful, and the bringing to the fore of a peripheral character from "Catch-22" works well. However, it is not quite as funny as the original (althought the scene with the government officials swearing at one another is excellent); however, the increased human element, who seem more real, makes the tragedy even more sad.

The only problem is that, at times, it seems to be a valedictory tour around Joseph Heller's life; that is the only explanation I can find for some sections, although they are well-written. However, this is made up for by some superb chapters (the wedding is truly absurd) and the as-ever sharp satire, epitomised by the cause of the end of the world. However, in the true Hollywood style, it is not quite as good as the original.

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Closing Time by Joseph Heller, 4 Sep 2002

A modern classic, Heller's first book was always going to be a hard act to follow, but the majority of Closing Time does not even come close. Heller's idea, whilst theoretically sound, is disappointingly poor compared to the brilliance of the wartime escapades of Yossarian & Co.

Heart-warming though it is to find Milo Minderbinder wheeling and dealing in both airplanes and human lives, Yossarian still falling madly in love with any and every female whilst contemplating the "future" and the rest of the gang dead, infected with cancer or any number of things. The only problem this time is that there is no distinct focus - the blurb discounts this by saying they are all trying to escape death - but the humour is lost and this book is more chilling reading; almost a psychological insight into the collapse of Heller's psyche. The reader sees Heller's breakdown of what little trust in the government and military he held but also a worrying distrust of every single person and character he meets or creates. It almost leaves the reader wondering how he survived his far without going insane.

Despite these rantings, Heller's tale once again ties itself off in finality - whether good or not, it is an ending. I found the book to improve towards the end, but perhaps Heller might have left his pen in the inkpot instead of trying to top up his pension with this frankly lame attempt at a sequel. Lovers of Catch-22's sarcasm and genuine hilarity will be disappointed, but as a follow-up, the book is readable ... Just.

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