/lit/ - Literature

Please tell me someone else read this.

In a lot of ways, I completely agree with the opinions of those reviewers who loved "Something Happened". The characterization is quite good, Heller's dialogue is sharp, his descriptions are vivid, and the satire is perhaps profound. I will always appreciate F. Scott Fitzgerald's ability to describe and illuminate humanity, and Heller comes close in creating Bob Slocum, a man who opens himself up to us in what seems like a long journal.
With all of that said, though, I had a hard time working through the novel. It's simply too repetitive. The rhythm is tedious and slow. I don't think one needs graphic violence or action to make a plot exciting, but Heller goes to great lengths to make sure that nothing actually takes place in the present until the absolute very end of the book. Also, I found this work just too depressing. I, too, have lived a while, and struggle to understand just how pathetic Bob's existence really is.

For the prospective reader: do not pick this book up capriciously. You won't finish it. Prepare for 500+ pages of repetive recollections on a life poorly-lived.

Has anyone ever read this book, or Picture This? It's amazing Catch-22 is still Heller's most famous work.

Just finished Something Happened by Joseph Heller.

Has anyone else read it and if so what did you think?

Has anyone else read this book? I loved it but it physically pains me to have it in the same room with me now.

I love Heller, and it is extremely well written, but holy carp.

Has anybody ever read this? I've just finished and can't help but feel really bemused. Really enjoyed Catch 22 but this just did nothing for me.

Something Happened is far better, it's easily Heller's best book. It's a shame it doesn't get the same recognition as Catch 22.