Catch-22

Catch-22 is a satirical, historical novel by the American author Joseph Heller, first published in 1961. The novel is set during the later stages of World War II from 1943 onwards. The novel follows Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier, and a number of other characters. Most events occur while the airmen of the fictional Fighting 256th (or "two to the fighting eighth power") Squadron are based on the island of Pianosa, in the Mediterranean Sea west of Italy.