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kcrouth's review against another edition
4.0
This one was a long haul, and it had me seriously reconsidering picking my books from "classic" must-read lists. This story is an over-the-top outrageous black comedy / satire that takes place near the end of WW-2 on and around an Allies airbase in Italy. All the ridiculousness of war and military operations, politics, and personnel are raised to the nth degree of zany. It took me over half way through before i actually could appreciate the message contained in this story. All in all, it was a little too over-the-top for my tastes, but as the story ends, it leaves the reader with a serious critique of war, politics, and the philosophy of swords and guns in the way our world operates. Serious haunting questions are contained within virtually every wild crazy part of this story. I see why it is on many must-read lists, and i can see how it has influenced other books, films, and television shows, namely M*A*S*H. I'm glad i read it, but i'm taking a break from the must-read lists for a while.
feriha's review against another edition
funny
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
klauern's review against another edition
2.0
I read this years ago, but while on deployment in Iraq. Maybe that's why I wasn't enjoying it.
jmcook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
btaylor131's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pkiwi's review against another edition
4.0
definitely a read-again book: not only because the beginning is a disorientating mass of events but also because I probably missed half of the significance. it's a funny, wry, horrifying, absurd, amazing novel.
purplepierogi's review against another edition
4.0
okay, I enjoyed it, I see why it’s a classic.. but fellas, do you ever read a book and just think — wow. this author really hates women! or is it macro critique ? no, he hates women
praevalesco's review against another edition
3.0
Had potential to be a 4 or 5 star book as it was pretty funny, but the humor doesn't overshadow all the misogyny and racism.