I read this as it was on a list of one of these ‘Books you must read before you die...etc’. On this list was the likes of Moby Dick, The Count of Monte Cristo and On the Road. All those books were rewarding in their own way. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about Catch 22. I pushed myself to finish it, but it was ultimately unfulfilling.
Other than the chapters, Major Major and Mrs Daneeka, the book is a disjointed and rambling and at times it just poorly written, not making any sense. I found the Characters two-dimensional stereotypes and all the Women are portrayed as Whores. Please don’t get me started on the historical inaccuracies. I know it isn’t a factual book, and when it was written in the late fifties and published in early sixties it was a ground-breaking work, especially so soon after WWII. I also understand that this most likely inspiration for the likes of M*A*S*H and Dr Strangelove with their own take on the ridiculousness of War.
The biggest thing is the lack of humour, on so many occasions the not funny joke was repeated again and again just ensure it was never funny in the first place. Maybe it is just a book of it’s time… but that time has passed.
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