The Separation (2002 novel)
First edition
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| Author | Christopher Priest |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction novel, Alternate history |
| Publisher | Scribners |
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Publication date
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2002 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 59521604 |
The Separation is a 2002 novel by Christopher Priest. It is an alternate history revolving around the experiences of identical twin brothers during the Second World War, during which one becomes a pilot for the RAF, and the other, a conscientious objector, becomes an ambulance driver for the Red Cross. The author introduces a deliberate confusion by giving these brothers identical initials – J.L. Sawyer – one known as Jack (the pilot) and the other as Joe (the ambulance driver).
Multiple histories – at least two, and on some readings many more – are presented, with different roles and fates for the various characters. The novel abounds with plays on the uncertainty of identity not just between the twin brothers, but also that of Winston Churchill (who used look-alike stand-ins) and, crucially, Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy, who flew to Britain in 1941 claiming to have a peace offer from Hitler.
The novel also utilises a favourite technique of Priest's, that of the unreliable narrator.
The novel was first published in the United Kingdom in 2002, in trade paperback by Scribners (), followed by a hardcover by Gollancz () in 2003. It was not published in the United States until 2005, when it was published in hardback by Old Earth Books (). The Separation was translated into French by Michelle Charrier; it has also appeared in a Spanish translation.
British magazine The Bookseller reported in May 2003, that The Separation was "to be republished by Orion after the author bought back the rights from Simon & Schuster." The report said that Priest was unhappy with the publicity and marketing support, and quoted Priest as saying, "A lot of staff I had been working with had left. The new editor was clearly not in sympathy with the book, and there was no apparent inhouse support for it." The article added that, in November 2002, Orion's managing director, Malcolm Edwards approached Priest and proposed that Gollancz republish the title in hardback. "Gollancz has always felt like a natural home to me, so I can't say how pleased I am to finally have made it after all these years," Priest said.
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