Closing Time : Book Review

Closing Time, a satirical novel by Joseph Heller, is a sequel to his acclaimed work Catch-22. It revisits the lives of familiar characters from the original book and explores their experiences and struggles in post-World War II America.

Taking place in 1990s New York City, the story centers around Sammy Singer, an ex-bomber pilot turned independent journalist. Sammy's path intersects with other well-known characters like Yossarian and Milo as they navigate the complexities of their lives in a world that is rapidly evolving.

Heller's signature wit and dark humor are evident throughout the novel as he examines the disillusionment felt by these characters in a society that seems to have lost its way. He tackles themes of bureaucracy, greed, and the absurdity of war and politics, drawing parallels between the events of the 1940s and the socio-political climate of the 1990s.

Closing Time showcases Heller's mastery of storytelling with his distinctive satirical style shining through. While it may not quite reach the same brilliance as its predecessor, the novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the consequences of war. It also provides a fresh perspective on the lives of beloved characters.

In summary, Closing Time serves as a fitting sequel to Catch-22, immersing readers back into the world that Heller created and offering a bittersweet reflection on the passage of time. It is a captivating and insightful read, reminding us of the enduring relevance of Heller's work and reaffirming his status as a literary icon.

What are readers saying?

Closing Time serves as the follow-up to Joseph Heller's immensely popular novel Catch-22. However, the reception of this book has been rather mixed, with readers having conflicting views on its merit.

Numerous reviewers commended Heller's wit and humor, with some asserting that Closing Time was just as amusing as its predecessor. They were delighted by the satire and the clever use of language, which they considered to be one of the novel's highlights. Heller's writing style received praise as well, as readers admired his ability to create vivid and captivating scenes.

On the other hand, certain reviewers believed that Closing Time did not possess the same strength as Catch-22. They found the plot to be labyrinthine and perplexing, overwhelmed by a plethora of characters and storylines that were difficult to keep track of. Some readers also expressed disappointment in the lack of emotional depth and character development, which were aspects they had anticipated.

Some reviewers were dissatisfied with how certain characters from Catch-22 were depicted in Closing Time. They felt that these characters had lost their original allure and complexity, and that their storylines in the sequel were uninspiring.

Nevertheless, despite these conflicting opinions, many readers still found Closing Time to be an enjoyable read. They appreciated the opportunity to revisit the world of Catch-22 and witness the evolution of the characters over time. Fans of Joseph Heller's writing style and his unique brand of humor were particularly delighted with this book.

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