After the Dragons
Cover of Catch-22

Classics · Literary

Catch-22

by Joseph Heller

Bestseller: about 10 million copies (estimate)

4.0 out of 5, from 1,573 ratings from Hardcover readers

Captain Yossarian, a bombardier stationed on an island in the Mediterranean in the Second World War, wants only to survive, but whenever he's about to complete his missions, the military raises the number required.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1961
Pace
Slow
Length
Long
Pages
472
Format
Book 1 of 2 in Catch-22
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Read this if you enjoy circular, absurdist satire with black humour and a bleak heart.

Skip this if you want a linear plot; it jumps in time and repeats scenes on purpose.

The feel

Content warnings

  • War
  • Death
  • Violence
  • Sexual assault

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Rape

Quick answers about Catch-22

What is Catch-22 about?
Captain Yossarian, a bombardier stationed on an island in the Mediterranean in the Second World War, wants only to survive, but whenever he's about to complete his missions, the military raises the number required.
Who should read Catch-22?
Read it if you enjoy circular, absurdist satire with black humour and a bleak heart. Skip it if you want a linear plot; it jumps in time and repeats scenes on purpose.
How long and how fast is Catch-22?
It is a slow-paced, long read of about 472 pages, first published in 1961.
Does Catch-22 have content warnings?
Content we flag: War, Death, Violence, Sexual assault.
Can I borrow Catch-22 for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Catch-22; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Catch-22?
Readers who liked it often move on to Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat's Cradle, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

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