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Catch-22 #1

Catch 22

joseph heller gunther danehl irene danehl

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"Catch 22, also Falle 22 oder Trick 22- das ist die ebenso irrsinnige wie ausweglose Dienstanweisung für das amerikanische Bombengeschwader, der zufolge Bomberpilot Yossarian nur dann von weiteren Einsätzen verschont bleibt, wenn er als verrückt anerkannt wird. Verrückt aber kann niemand sein, der sich weigern will, immer weitere großenteils sinnlose Einsätze zu fliegen. Also muß Yossarian ebenso wie seine Kameraden weiterfliegen, obwohl er sich die größte Mühe gibt, als verrückt zu erscheinen. Durch scheinbar absurdes Verhalten der militärischen Maschinerie ihre eigene Absurdität zu demonstrieren. Aber die Kriegsmaschinerie, gespeist aus persönlichem Ehrgeiz, Dummheit, Brutalität und Duckmäuserei, erkennt ihren eigenen Irrsinn nicht in dem Spiegel, den Yossarian - im Grunde der einzig Normale unter lauter Verrückten - vorhält.
Doch die Sache hat einen Haken, genannt »Catch 22« (»Trick 17 mit Selbstüberlistung«): Wer immer wieder Einsätze fliegt, muss verrückt sein, wäre also fluguntauglich. Sich dies vom Arzt attestieren zu lassen, wäre aber höchst vernünftig und alles andere als verrückt – also muss derjenige weiterfliegen.
Der Roman stellt das Verhältnis von »normal« und »verrückt« fortwährend auf den Kopf. Yossarians Kameraden, die sich der ständigen Erhöhung der Einsätze nicht verweigern und einer nach dem anderen ums Leben kommen, halten den rebellierenden Yossarian für verrückt. Der wird, mit Zügen eines modernen Schwejk (vgl.Die Abenteuer des braven Soldaten Schwejk von Jaroslav R HasŠek) als der einzig Normale dargestellt. Die anderen, von denen der Militärgehorsam oft selbstmörderisches Funktionieren als selbstverständliches Verhalten verlangt, erscheinen wahnsinnig. Aus der Überzeichnung der absurden Handlungen und Dialoge bezieht Der IKS-Haken (Catch 22) seine Komik. Dabei bleiben Tragik und Grausamkeit des Krieges stets präsent. Am Ende der Entwicklung steht Yossarian vor der Alternative, sich zu arrangieren oder seine Identität und Integrität zu wahren. Er entscheidet sich für Letzteres und desertiert.
" (fischer)

586 pages, Paperback

First published November 10,1961
Series
Catch-22
Literary awards
national book award finalist, 
Places
italy, 

This edition

Format
586 pages, Paperback
Published
October 1, 1994 by FISCHER Taschenbuch
ISBN
9783596125722
ASIN
3596125723
Language
German
Characters More characters

More editions

About the author

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joseph heller

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
24(24%)
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42(42%)
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99 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
robert788
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Joseph Heller's inclusion in the "100 books that must be read" had caught my attention. To be honest, the claim that it was "the best tragicomic, satirical work ever written" seemed rather exaggerated. In the first 100 pages, I struggled and felt my belief in the exaggeration increase. The presence of military teams, places, objects, and people in the story also made me a bit confused. However, after a certain point, as I got used to what the author was trying to say, his language, narrative, and plots, I couldn't put it down. I didn't understand where the 618 pages went. Surely, there will be other friends who know what the author wanted to do, what he aimed for, and what he achieved. In short, it was enjoyable to get to know both Joseph Heller and "Catch-22". I'm satisfied.

This book offers a unique reading experience. It combines elements of tragedy and comedy in a way that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The complex and often absurd world created by Heller is both fascinating and thought-provoking. The characters are vividly drawn, and their interactions add depth and humor to the story.

Despite the initial difficulties I had in getting into the book, I'm glad I persisted. "Catch-22" is a classic work of literature that has stood the test of time. It challenges our perceptions and makes us question the nature of war, bureaucracy, and human behavior. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding read.
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aimansyafiq14
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Kết thúc một tuần Tết tung tăng khắp Hà Nội thì tôi cũng đọc xong Bẫy 22. Đã đọc nguyên tác cách đây chục năm, lần đọc lại này qua bản tiếng Việt giúp tôi nhìn thấy một số điểm chưa nhìn thấy trong lần đọc trước. Tôi thấy trong Catch 22 có tinh thần của 1984 ở những trường đoạn châm biếm toàn trị trong chiến tranh. Chẳng hạn đọan buộc tội cha tuyên uý, hay đoạn dọa đưa Yossarian ra toà án binh. Những cảnh tượng này thật sự rất đáng kinh ngạc và khiến tôi nghĩ sâu về bản chất của chiến tranh.


Tôi thấy hình ảnh của Zorba tay chơi Hy Lạp ở lão già đối đáp với Nately, bài bác tinh thần dân tộc. Đây là một trong những hình ảnh đẹp nhất trong cuốn tiểu thuyết, thể hiện sự giàu có và đa dạng của văn hóa. Tôi cũng thấy Kafka ở nhiều nơi, với những câu chuyện kỳ lạ và bất khả thi, khiến người đọc phải tự hỏi về tính hợp lý của thế giới.


Trên hết, đây là cuốn tiểu thuyết cấu thành bằng phi lý, để nói lên bản chất phi lý của chiến tranh. Và nếu cần một thông điệp thì đây: Chiến tranh chỉ có lợi cho bọn con buôn. Chúng ta phải luôn nhớ điều này và cố gắng ngăn chặn chiến tranh trước khi nó bắt đầu.

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gi_goku
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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It seems like just about every Must-Read book list has Catch-22 on it. For a long time, I've been thinking that I should at least give it a try, considering its frequent appearance on those lists. However, it just didn't sound appealing to me. A novel set in an army camp during WWII, revolving around some bombardier and his squadron? Nah, it didn't seem like something that would pique my interest.


Last week, as I was searching for my classic-of-the-month for August, I finally decided to give in and read this book. I thought that if I really hated it, I could simply mark it as abandoned and be done with it. At least I would have given it a shot. To my great delight, I discovered that this book is exactly to my taste! Yes, it might be about a group of army guys, but it is hilarious!! Expecting to be bored, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself laughing on the very first page.


Catch-22 is truly brilliant and clever, filled with insights and witty remarks. At times, it felt a bit long and could perhaps have benefited from a better edit. But then, just two pages later, I'd be laughing again and not minding the length at all. It is a satire that pokes fun at the absurdity of war, nationalism, patriotism, and religion. For example, in war, there are no real winners. Everyone loses in the end. And as for God..... in my favorite passage of the book, Yosserian declares,


"Good God, how much reverence can you have for a Supreme Being who finds it necessary to include such phenomena as phlegm and tooth decay in His divine system of Creation? What in the world was running through that warped, evil, scatological mind of His when He robbed old people of the power to control their bowel movements?"


How can you not adore that!!


At times philosophical and almost always funny, Catch-22 makes you think while also making you laugh. It rightfully deserves its place on all those Must-Read lists. If it's not on yours, it definitely should be! I give it 4.5 stars, rounded up.
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AlexSonicfun2012
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Years ago, when I was futilely seeking a job in the Middle East, I encountered a career consultant.

I inquired, "How can I obtain a job in the Middle East?"

He replied, scratching his chin, "Well, for that you require experience."

"But I possess eighteen years of experience!" I objected.

"That might be the case," he stated. "What I meant was - you need Gulf experience."

"But I can't acquire that unless I secure a job in the Gulf," I pointed out.

"Yes, I'm aware," he said tranquilly. "You see, that's the catch."

This exchange left me feeling rather frustrated. It seemed like a never-ending cycle. I had the general experience, but not the specific Gulf experience that was apparently crucial. And yet, I couldn't get the Gulf experience without first getting a job there. It was a conundrum that I struggled to find a way out of. I wondered how many others were in a similar situation, facing this seemingly insurmountable obstacle in their job search.

Despite the setback, I refused to give up. I continued to explore different options and look for ways to gain the necessary experience. I knew that it wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to persevere and eventually land that job in the Middle East.

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Chaserdoo77
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Catch 22 is a truly remarkable and thought-provoking concept.

If a person is considered crazy or insane, they are prohibited from flying any more combat missions. However, if they apply for this status, they are paradoxically judged to be too rational to be insane, and thus their request is denied. This circular and illogical situation is not only applicable to the military but also has far-reaching implications in many aspects of our daily lives.

Catch 22 is not just an ordinary satire; it is the epitome of all satires. It challenges the way we blindly accept the status quo and fails to question the absurdity of some of the rules and regulations in society.

Capt. John Yossarin, the protagonist, takes a moral stance in his view of life, except perhaps in matters of sex where he shows some moral deficiency. Nevertheless, he comprehends the absurdity of Catch 22 but struggles to convince others.

This novel, although not perfect, is a work of pure genius. It may be a bit lengthy and overly repetitive in certain scenes, but this was Heller's deliberate choice to emphasize his points. Overall, I rate it 4.5 stars or 9/10, almost perfect but not quite.
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Low_Ki
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This process took longer than I initially intended, but I was engaged in a busy walking holiday.

Nonetheless, this particular book is of a nature that is meant to be relished in short intervals. The humour it contains is not only brilliant but also extremely clever.

Now, it's time to move onto the next book. As the saying goes, you know that one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.
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GingerTrash
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I’ve stopped reading this for the second time in quick succession.

I truly love the concept of Catch 22. That is, there are situations in life where, for instance, to prove you're crazy, you have to say you're crazy, but saying you're crazy actually shows you can't be. And while these paradoxes are interesting and sometimes even amusing, I found this book to be quite the opposite. The humor felt far too forced and overly exaggerated to be truly funny. The repetitions in the book began to drive me insane as well. Not only the obvious repetitions used to identify characters, which made the characters seem more like caricatures and highly irritating ones at that, but also the idea that this was an exploration of every possible example of a Catch 22 situation that the writer could think up started to annoy me. I understand it was meant as a parody, but...

I think part of the problem might be that I believe the humor has not aged well. I had a very similar experience with a book I adored when I first read it a hundred years ago – Milligan’s Puckoon. But when I started reading it again recently, I had to stop halfway through as I could barely get a smile out of it. This has worried me greatly as I was thinking of going back and reading his Adolf Hitler My Part in his Downfall, but might just rely on my pleasant memories of that book.

I had really hoped to enjoy this, and perhaps I would have if I had read it in the 70s when I first planned to. But unfortunately, this one didn't work for me nearly as well as I had hoped. Now, I just found it far too heavy-handed.
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Sandyloserp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I have attempted three times, yet I still cannot immerse myself in this book.

It is just too disjointed. I suppose my brain simply doesn't function in that particular way.

I truly wanted to like it. I was in love with the premise and the concept.

However, it just didn't click for me.

And I'm more disappointed about this than anyone else could possibly be.

It's a real pity because I had such high hopes.

But sometimes, no matter how much we want something to work, it just doesn't.

Maybe I'll give it another try in the future, but for now, I'm left feeling a bit let down. :-0
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