The novel in which the character Holden Caulfield has a mental breakdown is J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye". The novel, which was published in 1951, follows Holden's experiences in the days following his expulsion from prep school as he navigates the complexities of adolescence and tries to come to terms with the loss of innocence. The novel is known for its frank portrayal of teenage angst and disillusionment, and has become a classic of modern literature.