Something Happened

An accomplishment to read. Heller captures stream-of-consciousness first person narration flawlessly. However, this is exactly what can make this novel tedious at times. Our narrator, Bob Slocum, is a profoundly flawed individual from a sexist, racist time. It is essentially impossible to find sympathy for him. Brilliant, but tedious.

Ultimately this book is a triumph of style, with its loose portrayal of chronology, retellings of events as the narrator becomes more comfortable with discussing their details and the massive amount of nested parenthetical thoughts. Unlike in Catch-22, I wouldn't consider the protagonist a hero at all. It's a compelling narrative, if you're willing to accept hating the guy as he...more

Ultimately this book is a triumph of style, with its loose portrayal of chronology, retellings of events as the narrator becomes more comfortable with discussing their details and the massive amount of nested parenthetical thoughts. Unlike in Catch-22, I wouldn't consider the protagonist a hero at all. It's a compelling narrative, if you're willing to accept hating the guy as he whines about his life and mistreats those close to him.   hide

This book was disappointing after my love for Catch-22. The humour was similar, but overbearing (and thus not funny) at several points in the story.....

Not enough.