Rating: 
Summary: tragic critique of the land of (pl)empty
Review: yes it is the sequel to catch-22, and yes catch-22 was one of the best novels of the last century. nevertheless closing time stamds up admirably. it may not have the consistent satire of its famous predecessor, but it is as rife with humanity as the original and sometimes tearjerkingly so. to have yossarian to grow old in your hands is thoroughly difficult given his assertion in catch-22 to 'live forever or die trying'. again we become aware of the finitude of humanity, forever 'inches from death.' the character of sammy singer - the tail gunner who kept fainting at the sight of snowden - is a great addition, to have another perspective upon the fragility of the human condition is somewhat pleasing. i thoroughly enjoyed his character. again one is confronted with an indictment of capitalism through a trashy bourgeois wedding in the bus terminal, this alludes to the waste and excess of modern life. in a place rife with poverty and subsistence level living the nouveau riche congregate, what is more the pimps, prostitues and beggars are exchanged for actors. the flagrant disregard for the human other is another consistent motif; which is sending each and every one to a communion with the devil. this is a wonderful novel which is maintained with heller's eliptical precision. once one gets over the fact that it is not catch-22 it becomes excellent. i would recommend this to anyone, especially in the current climate and have a think about how the country and president views each and every person which such a painful dirsregard. enjoy. 8/1/03
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