Japan and Germany, victors of World War II, now rule Earth in an alternative history that may have been. Post-war USA is split into two territories, Africa has been wiped out, and the migration of all undesired European races has been set back thousands of years. In this depressing reality, Philip K Dick presents us with ordinary men and women; the little people whose lives are miniscule in the greater scheme of things. Misunderstandings and alienation are rife between detached and inscrutable Japanese masters and the labour-force of American citizenry. To distract from the ever-present stream of terrible news coming from a change of power in Berlin, many look to the Oracle for reassurance, as well as spiritual guidance.

In the USA a meeting between two prestigious men from Germany and Japan is planned in order to discuss the foreboding implications of new Reich leadership. However, not all hope is lost for there is room for prosperity. A new book called The Grasshopper Lies Heavy, written by the elusive author Abendsen (The Man in the High Tower) finds its way into the hands of people from all walks of life, depicting a future of inspiring and awe-filled optimism where the Allies win World War II, and deliver hope to untold masses across the globe.

Written with an acute understanding of human nature and struggling relationships between preconceptions of master and slave, The Man In The High Castle is a masterpiece of mixed characters, expertly woven into the context of a history that is so believable it’s akin to perceived reality.