War,Comedy,Drama
United States of America
Catch-22 is a satirical novel by Joseph Heller, published in 1961. It is set during World War II and follows the story of Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier in the United States Army Air Forces. Yossarian is stationed on the Italian island of Pianosa, where he and his fellow airmen repeatedly endure dangerous bombing missions.
Yossarian becomes obsessed with finding a way to avoid these missions, but finds himself trapped in a bureaucratic catch-22: in order to be excused from flying, he must be declared insane, but anyone who is sane enough to want to avoid death in combat cannot be declared insane. Yossarian tries to persuade his superiors that he is insane, but they see his desire to live as proof that he is sane.
As the war drags on, Yossarian becomes increasingly disillusioned with the military and the senseless violence of war. He tries to flee to Sweden, but is caught and returns to Pianosa. Yossarian's only solace comes from his relationships with his fellow soldiers, including his friend Orr and his lover, Nurse Duckett.
The novel is known for its dark humor, non-linear structure, and sharp criticisms of war and bureaucracy. The phrase "catch-22" has since entered popular culture, referring to a paradoxical situation in which one is trapped by conflicting rules or requirements. The novel has been adapted into a film and a TV series, both using the same title.
