Yossarian’s war-weary eyes scan the sky, searching for the next enemy plane. He’s trapped in a maddening cycle of bureaucratic absurdity, where staying alive means proving you’re crazy, but wanting to live proves you’re sane. Heller’s biting satire cuts deep, exposing the lunacy of war through dark humor and unforgettable characters. It’s a dizzying dance of logic and illogic that’ll leave you laughing, thinking, and maybe a little shell-shocked yourself.
“Catch-22” by Joseph Heller is one of those rare books that has left an indelible mark on me. Set during World War II, it follows Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier who is desperately trying to stay sane while fulfilling his duty. The narrative is a wild, darkly comic take on the absurdities of war and the bureaucratic madness that often accompanies it. Heller paints a vivid picture of the characters’ struggles and quirks, making them feel deeply human and heartbreakingly real. Every time I read it, I discover new layers in its satire and tragedy.