Catch-22 is a satirical anti-war novel set during World War II, primarily focusing on Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Forces stationed on the Mediterranean island of Pianosa. Yossarian desperately wants to get out of flying increasingly dangerous missions, but is unable to sidestep military regulation catch-22; insanity will get you grounded, but if you want to be grounded, you’re sane.
With a non-linear narrative, the story describes a rich cast of eccentric characters, while mocking the horrifying banality of war and the soulless bureaucracy which treats soldiers and people as just numbers on a ledger. This includes power hungry superiors keep increasing missions to advance their own careers, a mess officer who runs a wartime supply cartel with every senior officer a shareholder, doctors, a chaplain and other pilots.
As he keeps flying more missions, Yossarian becomes desperate as he experiences first-hand the extreme trauma caused by the horror and futility of war. A brutal massacre of an innocent village and deaths of his closest friends finally pushes him to make the decision to desert.
The writing is brilliant, the characters are unique, engaging and memorable, and the story will scar you with wonder and awe. An American classic and an absolute must read.