Catch-22

by Joseph Heller
Catch-22 cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £18.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 24
  • Added: 2025-08-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780099477310
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1994-01-01
  • Formats: 155
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
The Word Wolf · 2021-12-03
clever 4.50

The novel is praised as a cleverly crafted satire on war, emphasizing its absurdity and highlighting the dark humor within military life.

This review appreciates 'Catch-22' as a brilliantly clever literary work that uses satire to expose the absurdities of war and the illogical nature of bureaucracy. The humor is not just for entertainment but serves a deeper purpose of critiquing the military experience and the paradoxes faced by soldiers. The reviewer finds the novel's approach to war both insightful and engaging, making it a standout piece of literature in its genre.

Quick quotes

    'Catch-22' satirises the war. That's the whole point of it, and everything Heller does.

    I think it's a fantastically clever piece of literature.

    The absurdity of war is highlighted through dark humor and satire.

The Boar · 2018-10-28
passionate 4.30

The novel evokes strong emotional responses, mixing rage and humor to explore the absurdities and frustrations of war.

The reviewer expresses a deep personal connection to 'Catch-22', describing it as a book filled with rage yet laced with humor. This combination makes the novel a compelling exploration of the paradoxes and frustrations inherent in war and military life. The emotional intensity conveyed through the narrative resonates strongly, making it not just a literary work but a powerful statement on the human experience during conflict. The reviewer values the novel’s unique tone that balances dark comedy with critical commentary.

Quick quotes

    It's strange to think that a book so consumed with rage, so bound up in humour, could be so powerful.

    I fell madly in love with it.

    Catch-22 is a book that dives deep into the frustrations of war.

The Book Habit · 2014-01-19
powerful 4.20

The novel is recognized for its powerful impact and its satirical take on war, drawing comparisons to other significant anti-war literature.

The reviewer regards 'Catch-22' as a novel of undeniable power, with a sharp satirical edge that critiques the bureaucracy and absurdity of war. The comparison to Kurt Vonnegut's 'Slaughterhouse-5' underlines the book’s status as a major anti-war statement, blending humor with serious reflections on the human condition during conflict. The narrative style and thematic concerns make it a memorable and influential work that resonates with readers who appreciate dark comedy and social critique.

Quick quotes

    Catch-22 is a novel of undeniable power.

    Heller's fiction offers a satirical perspective on the absurdities of war.

    In many respects reminiscent of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-5.

Appears in Lists