Catch-22

A very very funny book. A great critique on the strange intricacies and politics of war. It is a fairly manic and psychotic. It features many, many characters, so much so that it feels a bit Dostoyevskian at times, with a hint of Nick Hornby.
And exactly this is what made it a bit hard to read at times. The chapters always revolve around one of the characters, cycling through the many different characters, so after a while this gets a bit much. Halfway through I put it aside for a while, because I did not see where it was going. Then the hilarity can only get you through for 1 or 2 chapters. Around page 400 or so it I was again submerged in the story. But maybe that's the catch. That when you read it, you want to put it aside. When you're not reading it, you want to pick it up again. It's a mighty Catch, that one.

Awesome. I am excited to read another Heller book as soon as possible, which will be somewhere next year :)

If you are not born with the English tongue, just know that if you understand the next words, you'll be fine: Scintillating, Coalesced, Sullen, Delectable, Pulpit, Coveted, Belligerent, Gamboling, Nosegay, Countenance, Prodigiously, Trepidation, Circumspect, Abrasions, Abreast, Consternation, Scornfully, Petulantly, Domitably, Corrugated, Ominously, Awning, Invidiously,... Because these words will be the average difficulty for the entire book.

I had to check at least 6 words per page. But the thing is that I added a lot of words to my lexicon now. So persevere, as the chaplain would say to you.

This was an exhilarating novel, a rollercoaster for the eye and mind, but not suited for me. I liked the “war is chaos” theme, but it was too much for me.

Still one of the most unique books I've read.