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).