The novel follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a World War II veteran who has become "unstuck in time," experiencing his life events out of order. This includes his experiences as a prisoner of war in Dresden during the Allies' firebombing, his post-war life as a successful optometrist, his abduction by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore, and his eventual death. The book is a critique of war and a demonstration of the destructive nature of time, with a nonlinear narrative that reflects the chaos and unpredictability of life.

The book is a sprawling narrative that intertwines two timelines: the first during World War II, focusing on the efforts of cryptographers and mathematicians working to break Axis codes, and the second in the late 20th century, following a group of entrepreneurs and hackers establishing a data haven in Southeast Asia. The novel explores themes of cryptography, mathematics, and the history of computing, weaving together real historical figures with fictional characters. As the plot unfolds across different continents and eras, it delves into the impact of information technology on society and the perpetual conflict between governments and individuals over the control of information and privacy.

"The Separation" by Christopher Priest is a thought-provoking novel that explores the concept of alternate histories. Set during and after World War II, it follows the lives of twin brothers, Joe and Jack Sawyer, who find themselves on different sides of the conflict. Through a series of intertwining narratives, the book delves into the consequences of their choices and the impact it has on their personal lives and the world at large. Blurring the lines between reality and fiction, the novel raises profound questions about identity, memory, and the nature of truth.