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In High Places
As events bubbles to a scalding boil, leaders of two great nations fought in desperate secrecy to keep the lid on the world. Bartering, backstabbing, browbeating, bribing...and praying for a little more weight to throw on the delicate balance of international power. This is a novel of men at the summit, their bold deals and soiled souls -- and their women, clutching at fevered moments as the time for loving, the time for living, slipped so quickly away.
485 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1961
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1031 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Hailey
94 books767 followersArthur Hailey was a British/Canadian novelist. After working at a number of jobs and writing part-time, he became a writer full-time during 1956, encouraged by the success of the CBC television drama, Flight into Danger (in print as
Runway Zero Eight
). Following the success of Hotel in 1965, he moved to California; followed by a permanent move to the Bahamas in 1969.
Each of his novels has a different industrial or commercial setting and includes, in addition to dramatic human conflict, carefully researched information about the way that particular environment and system functions and how these affect society and its inhabitants.
Critics often dismissed Hailey's success as the result of a formulaic "potboiler" style, in which he caused an ordinary character to become involved in a crisis, then increased the suspense by switching among multiple related plot lines.
Hailey would spend approximately one year researching a subject, followed by six months reviewing his notes and, finally, about 18 months writing the book.
Many of his books reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and more than 170 million copies have been sold worldwide in 40 languages. Many have been made into movies and Hotel was made into a long-running television series. Airport became a successful film with dramatic visual effects.
A Canadian citizen whose children live in Canada and California, Hailey made his home in Lyford Cay, an exclusive residential resort on New Providence Island in the Bahamas with his second wife Sheila.
In 2002, Hailey told John Marquis, editor of the Bahamas' principal daily newspaper The Tribune, that he was lucky in having supportive parents who encouraged him to believe in himself. Brought up in a working-class home, Hailey never lost the common touch following his phenomenal success. 'I have worked hard, but I have also been very lucky,' he said.
Each of his novels has a different industrial or commercial setting and includes, in addition to dramatic human conflict, carefully researched information about the way that particular environment and system functions and how these affect society and its inhabitants.
Critics often dismissed Hailey's success as the result of a formulaic "potboiler" style, in which he caused an ordinary character to become involved in a crisis, then increased the suspense by switching among multiple related plot lines.
Hailey would spend approximately one year researching a subject, followed by six months reviewing his notes and, finally, about 18 months writing the book.
Many of his books reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and more than 170 million copies have been sold worldwide in 40 languages. Many have been made into movies and Hotel was made into a long-running television series. Airport became a successful film with dramatic visual effects.
A Canadian citizen whose children live in Canada and California, Hailey made his home in Lyford Cay, an exclusive residential resort on New Providence Island in the Bahamas with his second wife Sheila.
In 2002, Hailey told John Marquis, editor of the Bahamas' principal daily newspaper The Tribune, that he was lucky in having supportive parents who encouraged him to believe in himself. Brought up in a working-class home, Hailey never lost the common touch following his phenomenal success. 'I have worked hard, but I have also been very lucky,' he said.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 28, 2020
This time Hailey explores the world of politics and international relations.The book was written in the 1960s.
He was then living in Canada,the Cold War was at its height and so were the fears of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD).
Canada's prime minister is offered the prospect of a union with the US in view of the threat of nuclear war with the Soviets.
Meanwhile,the premier grapples with thorny issues at home including blackmail by one of his own ministers.
A seemingly minor issue threatens to become a major headache for the Canadian government as a ship docks carrying a stateless man. He has no papers and cannot land in any country.
Will Canada accept him on humanitarian grounds or will public and media support for him derail the government ?
A first rate political thriller with lively pace and plenty of drama.
He was then living in Canada,the Cold War was at its height and so were the fears of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD).
Canada's prime minister is offered the prospect of a union with the US in view of the threat of nuclear war with the Soviets.
Meanwhile,the premier grapples with thorny issues at home including blackmail by one of his own ministers.
A seemingly minor issue threatens to become a major headache for the Canadian government as a ship docks carrying a stateless man. He has no papers and cannot land in any country.
Will Canada accept him on humanitarian grounds or will public and media support for him derail the government ?
A first rate political thriller with lively pace and plenty of drama.
November 15, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Arthur Hailey, and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Arthur Hailey brings a great story to readers with this tense Canadian political thrillers set during the Cold War. When the US President reaches out to his Canadian counterpart days before Christmas, Prime Minister James Howden is surprised by the message. Equally surprising is a blowout that takes place at the Governor General’s residence that same night. Less public, but equally impactful, is a stowaway on a ship in Vancouver’s Port. An urgent meeting between the two world leaders is called, though its details must be kept secret. PM Howden learns that the Soviets might be trying to turn up the heat on the Cold War, seeking to potentially strike with missiles and other weapons. The American president can see no solution other than to prepare for war, which would put Canada in the middle and likely decimate the country. The answer crafted by the Americans is for Canada to be folded into the American nation, which works politically and permits the Americans to utilise geographic placement for retaliatory weapons. While this simmers within the PM’s office, news emerges that a man that has been tucked away in a ship in Vancouver’s Port and is seeking refuge under Canada’s immigration laws. With no papers or proof of his identity, the Canadian Government refuses his pleas. Opposition members in Canada’s House of Commons see a loophole that could work in their favour and a young lawyer is sent to defend the man against the Goliath that is Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration. What follows is a brilliant set of legal arguments on Canada’s West Coast, all while tensions heat up in Ottawa about the future of Canada. A brilliant piece of political thrills at the hands of Arthur Hailey that delivered exactly what it promised.
Arthur Hailey is an author whose work I am only just discovering. This story presents a scintillating glimpse into the world of Canadian politics and its place in the North American geo-political structure, which mirrors some of the issues currently making headlines across the country. The story builds with a variety of narrative approaches, all of which work to enrich the larger story. Momentum builds as each chapter pushes new angles to the well-paced story and leaves the reader completely ensconced with the arguments made. Hailey uses some dramatic spins and great storytelling keeps the reader flipping pages, while pushing a theme or two throughout. This is one of those books I have always wanted to read, but diid not know existed. While dated in its publication, there was no lessening to the impact of any part of this book.
Characters are impactful as they set about creating their own backstories and development. Readers will hopefully enjoy the varied personalities and sentiments they offer throughout the story. Many of the characters advance the plot and flavour the piece, such that new layers emerge, worthy of consideration. Having some of these characters come together at various points pushes a strong sentiment about the importance that Hailey places on the perspectives and themes offered. This made the book all the more real for me and kept me needing to know more with each passing chapter. Hailey knows how to connect his cast with the attentive reader without sharing too much at any one time!
Surprises are core in a story of this nature, as politics is a beast with little predictability. While the reader can see certain things beforehand, twists embedded in the narrative add something more to the reading experience. While Hailey keeps the major storylines separate, the tension spills into the other domain to ensure a degree of connectivity. The reader surely waits to see what’s coming, only to be stymied by the brilliant cliffhanger that Hailey leaves, begging for some post-novel resolution that is entirely at the reader’s discretion. I loved this book and wish I had known of it sooner, as I could have read and praised it at that time.
Kudos, Mr. Hailey, for impressing me much and leaving me wondering which of your novels I want to tackle next.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Arthur Hailey brings a great story to readers with this tense Canadian political thrillers set during the Cold War. When the US President reaches out to his Canadian counterpart days before Christmas, Prime Minister James Howden is surprised by the message. Equally surprising is a blowout that takes place at the Governor General’s residence that same night. Less public, but equally impactful, is a stowaway on a ship in Vancouver’s Port. An urgent meeting between the two world leaders is called, though its details must be kept secret. PM Howden learns that the Soviets might be trying to turn up the heat on the Cold War, seeking to potentially strike with missiles and other weapons. The American president can see no solution other than to prepare for war, which would put Canada in the middle and likely decimate the country. The answer crafted by the Americans is for Canada to be folded into the American nation, which works politically and permits the Americans to utilise geographic placement for retaliatory weapons. While this simmers within the PM’s office, news emerges that a man that has been tucked away in a ship in Vancouver’s Port and is seeking refuge under Canada’s immigration laws. With no papers or proof of his identity, the Canadian Government refuses his pleas. Opposition members in Canada’s House of Commons see a loophole that could work in their favour and a young lawyer is sent to defend the man against the Goliath that is Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration. What follows is a brilliant set of legal arguments on Canada’s West Coast, all while tensions heat up in Ottawa about the future of Canada. A brilliant piece of political thrills at the hands of Arthur Hailey that delivered exactly what it promised.
Arthur Hailey is an author whose work I am only just discovering. This story presents a scintillating glimpse into the world of Canadian politics and its place in the North American geo-political structure, which mirrors some of the issues currently making headlines across the country. The story builds with a variety of narrative approaches, all of which work to enrich the larger story. Momentum builds as each chapter pushes new angles to the well-paced story and leaves the reader completely ensconced with the arguments made. Hailey uses some dramatic spins and great storytelling keeps the reader flipping pages, while pushing a theme or two throughout. This is one of those books I have always wanted to read, but diid not know existed. While dated in its publication, there was no lessening to the impact of any part of this book.
Characters are impactful as they set about creating their own backstories and development. Readers will hopefully enjoy the varied personalities and sentiments they offer throughout the story. Many of the characters advance the plot and flavour the piece, such that new layers emerge, worthy of consideration. Having some of these characters come together at various points pushes a strong sentiment about the importance that Hailey places on the perspectives and themes offered. This made the book all the more real for me and kept me needing to know more with each passing chapter. Hailey knows how to connect his cast with the attentive reader without sharing too much at any one time!
Surprises are core in a story of this nature, as politics is a beast with little predictability. While the reader can see certain things beforehand, twists embedded in the narrative add something more to the reading experience. While Hailey keeps the major storylines separate, the tension spills into the other domain to ensure a degree of connectivity. The reader surely waits to see what’s coming, only to be stymied by the brilliant cliffhanger that Hailey leaves, begging for some post-novel resolution that is entirely at the reader’s discretion. I loved this book and wish I had known of it sooner, as I could have read and praised it at that time.
Kudos, Mr. Hailey, for impressing me much and leaving me wondering which of your novels I want to tackle next.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 7, 2012
Finally, it happens not only in India!!!!! With ‘In High Places’, Arthur Hailey describes the power struggle that takes place between warring political parties of Canada with each day bringing in new skirmishes and political maneuvers to haggle over.
Though the Indian Lok Sabha maybe the epitome of ruckus with verbal blusters, sher-o-shayeris to woo the opposition, high theatrics when a point is not agreed to, the walkovers, the marshalling out, the general pandemonium in the house leaving an utterly helpless Speaker who hardly manages to bring the rowdy, boisterous politicians under control- it by no means is the only country in doing so. Though we are the ‘Argumentative Indians’, in this book we come across the ‘Cajoling Canadians’. A finely written book, I kept on drawing parallels between our Lok Sabha and their House of Commons while reading, and why shouldn’t it be? The constitution of both the countries has been drawn from a common source- England! Of course, ours is a pot-pourri of the best practices of various countries, theirs had been predominantly taken from the British.
This book is way different from the others I have read by Arthur Hailey. Here characters, including the protagonists do not lose much sleep over wrong practices. The reason being- Politics is murky. You had to get your hands dirty to get things done. The end happens to be extremely innovative; the author had left it upon the audience to decide what end they preferred.
This book, of course, was written way before my time. And the World Wars and the Cold War don’t arouse the same passion in me as the Indo-Pak or Sino-Indian wars do. So it comes rather as a surprise, though of course it was mentioned in the bland school history books, that during the cold war the situation was rather grave between the two superpowers. People all over the world considered Nuclear War imminent. Now we know that the war never happened due to a chat over hotline between the heads of the two countries (Of course disintegration of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall helped!). But in this book, a reader vicariously shares the apprehensions of the author of a very possible war which may change the face of the earth. And so that’s why I think- the uncertain end.
We come across strong characters in the form of James Howden, Alan Maitland, Brian Richardson, Edgar Kramer, Milly Freedeman and many more. Oops! I forget the most important character of them all- Henri Duval! The book revolves around him- a poor stowaway on a ship whom no country would take in. By a quirk of fate, he finds multitude of people fighting for his cause, some of them for their own selfish ends but nevertheless giving a tough time to the ruling party which had taken an obstinate stand of not giving in to the opposition.
Soon this petty case overshadows the very important hush-hush act that would change the lives of millions. ‘The Act of Union’- as it is called, calls for the annulment of the boundary between Canada and U.S.A. in the face of a very possible war at hand with Russia.
Overall, it’s quite a good reading and racier than the others. But I want to complain!! Why does the back cover of any book indulge in lying and painting a putrid portrait when nothing of that sort actually happens in the book? The jacket proclaims- ‘In this, one of his greatest achievements, he (Arthur Hailey) exposes the passions that seethe behind the blank facades of government offices as politicians in power fight to stay there- bartering, back-stabbing, browbeating, bribing with honours, money and women.’
I can understand the ‘bribing with honours, money’ part because it actually took place in the book, but what I cannot understand is why they had to add ‘women’ when nothing of that sort actually happened!! The publishers assume that a normal male reader is a pervert who enjoys a voyeuristic ride of a sadistic sort. Maybe they were speaking in general terms, but they should not believe for a single moment that by inserting this sort of gig on every book cover, they would have windfall gains due to libidinous readers lining up to buy the book…
Though the Indian Lok Sabha maybe the epitome of ruckus with verbal blusters, sher-o-shayeris to woo the opposition, high theatrics when a point is not agreed to, the walkovers, the marshalling out, the general pandemonium in the house leaving an utterly helpless Speaker who hardly manages to bring the rowdy, boisterous politicians under control- it by no means is the only country in doing so. Though we are the ‘Argumentative Indians’, in this book we come across the ‘Cajoling Canadians’. A finely written book, I kept on drawing parallels between our Lok Sabha and their House of Commons while reading, and why shouldn’t it be? The constitution of both the countries has been drawn from a common source- England! Of course, ours is a pot-pourri of the best practices of various countries, theirs had been predominantly taken from the British.
This book is way different from the others I have read by Arthur Hailey. Here characters, including the protagonists do not lose much sleep over wrong practices. The reason being- Politics is murky. You had to get your hands dirty to get things done. The end happens to be extremely innovative; the author had left it upon the audience to decide what end they preferred.
This book, of course, was written way before my time. And the World Wars and the Cold War don’t arouse the same passion in me as the Indo-Pak or Sino-Indian wars do. So it comes rather as a surprise, though of course it was mentioned in the bland school history books, that during the cold war the situation was rather grave between the two superpowers. People all over the world considered Nuclear War imminent. Now we know that the war never happened due to a chat over hotline between the heads of the two countries (Of course disintegration of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall helped!). But in this book, a reader vicariously shares the apprehensions of the author of a very possible war which may change the face of the earth. And so that’s why I think- the uncertain end.
We come across strong characters in the form of James Howden, Alan Maitland, Brian Richardson, Edgar Kramer, Milly Freedeman and many more. Oops! I forget the most important character of them all- Henri Duval! The book revolves around him- a poor stowaway on a ship whom no country would take in. By a quirk of fate, he finds multitude of people fighting for his cause, some of them for their own selfish ends but nevertheless giving a tough time to the ruling party which had taken an obstinate stand of not giving in to the opposition.
Soon this petty case overshadows the very important hush-hush act that would change the lives of millions. ‘The Act of Union’- as it is called, calls for the annulment of the boundary between Canada and U.S.A. in the face of a very possible war at hand with Russia.
Overall, it’s quite a good reading and racier than the others. But I want to complain!! Why does the back cover of any book indulge in lying and painting a putrid portrait when nothing of that sort actually happens in the book? The jacket proclaims- ‘In this, one of his greatest achievements, he (Arthur Hailey) exposes the passions that seethe behind the blank facades of government offices as politicians in power fight to stay there- bartering, back-stabbing, browbeating, bribing with honours, money and women.’
I can understand the ‘bribing with honours, money’ part because it actually took place in the book, but what I cannot understand is why they had to add ‘women’ when nothing of that sort actually happened!! The publishers assume that a normal male reader is a pervert who enjoys a voyeuristic ride of a sadistic sort. Maybe they were speaking in general terms, but they should not believe for a single moment that by inserting this sort of gig on every book cover, they would have windfall gains due to libidinous readers lining up to buy the book…
August 6, 2021
Канада. Студената война е в разгара си. А перспективите пред канадския министър-предстедател не са обнадеждаващи. Канада е заплашвана да се превърне в арена на ядрения сблъсък между Съветския съюз и САЩ, което вещае края на нацията. Единственият изход за страната е съюз със САЩ, които да защитят северната граница. Но цената, която очакват да им бъде платена е прекалено висока - пълна свобода на действие в страната за 25 години, пълен контрол над армията и оттеглянето на Канада от външната политика. Канадският министър-председател няма намерение да остави друг да определя съдбата на страната му, превръщайки я в просто един от щатите на Америка, и открива начин да защити интересите ѝ. Но опозицията набира мощ и заплашва да спечели изборите и да осуети най-добрата сделка в историята на Канада. Вътрешната опозиция в партията също е непредсказуема. Междувременно един пътник без билет, без име, без документи и който на теория въобще не съществува се оказва замесен в най-големите политически машинации на века. Брилянтен политически трилър от Артър Хейли.
April 12, 2022
This one was very gripping; I had to do a lot of waiting, so that book was an excellent choice in that regard. I found the translation confusing in places and sometimes outright stupid, which seemed odd considering the overall high quality of the translation. The way all the plotlines were intertwined was very interesting, and the characters were very well-drawn. Overall a very nice read, and honestly I didn't expect anything less from Hailey.
May 14, 2017
Arthur Hailey is popularly known for his book 'Airport'. I do not own it, neither have I read it. Of course, I woild love to read it but to everything there is a time. So, I will wait. For now, let us talk about 'In High Places'. What a brilliant story. I recommend it to everyone who loves politics.
The Country. It is based in Canada. Battle lines have been drawn between the ruling party of James Howden and the Opposition party led by Hon. Bonar Deitz. They are divided on various fundamental issues affecting the country at the time. With the elections coming neither side wants to be unpopular with the public.
The Government. It is tasked with the job of defending its unpopular policy on Immigration. It aims at keeping out negroes, catholics et cetra. Also, under its present immigration act, those without a country are not entitled to enter Canada. Once a special inquiry has been conducted to determine the persons character, the authorities may either approve or reject the application. In this case they rejected Henry Duval's request to enter a Canada. The other thorny issue involved the Act of the union with the United States which was aimed at integrating both countries defence forces.
The Opposition. They firmly object the government's decision to detain and deport Mr. Duval either to his country of birth, domicile, or origin. Their main contention is that Mr. Duval has no country. Through their lawyer, Alan Maitland, they file repeated motions of habeas corpus in the British Columbia Supreme Court for what they refer to as 'the illegal detention' of their client by the immigration authorities. They also object to the Prime Minister's proposal for an Act of the Union with the United States. They reason that it would lead to Canada's loss of its independence.
Resolution. The issue of Immigration is fought in the British Canada Supreme Court. Justice Willis presides over the hearings. Though he is aware of the law and that it falls squarely in favor of the government, he is still sympathetic with Mr. Maitland's cause. In the end his own personal prujudice overcomes his obligation to uphold judicial integrity as he indirectly decides to assist the 'young' and 'inexperienced' lawyer. He hands him an olive branch in the form of an old precedent which authoritatively provided that no individual can be detained and deported back to a ship. It must be to a known country. On the other issue, it is fought in parliament.
Conclusion. I am not sure whether the events described in this book really happened in Canada. If they did, they must have been very interesting to witness which makes the book engaging and absorbing. One of the best books I have read this year.
The Country. It is based in Canada. Battle lines have been drawn between the ruling party of James Howden and the Opposition party led by Hon. Bonar Deitz. They are divided on various fundamental issues affecting the country at the time. With the elections coming neither side wants to be unpopular with the public.
The Government. It is tasked with the job of defending its unpopular policy on Immigration. It aims at keeping out negroes, catholics et cetra. Also, under its present immigration act, those without a country are not entitled to enter Canada. Once a special inquiry has been conducted to determine the persons character, the authorities may either approve or reject the application. In this case they rejected Henry Duval's request to enter a Canada. The other thorny issue involved the Act of the union with the United States which was aimed at integrating both countries defence forces.
The Opposition. They firmly object the government's decision to detain and deport Mr. Duval either to his country of birth, domicile, or origin. Their main contention is that Mr. Duval has no country. Through their lawyer, Alan Maitland, they file repeated motions of habeas corpus in the British Columbia Supreme Court for what they refer to as 'the illegal detention' of their client by the immigration authorities. They also object to the Prime Minister's proposal for an Act of the Union with the United States. They reason that it would lead to Canada's loss of its independence.
Resolution. The issue of Immigration is fought in the British Canada Supreme Court. Justice Willis presides over the hearings. Though he is aware of the law and that it falls squarely in favor of the government, he is still sympathetic with Mr. Maitland's cause. In the end his own personal prujudice overcomes his obligation to uphold judicial integrity as he indirectly decides to assist the 'young' and 'inexperienced' lawyer. He hands him an olive branch in the form of an old precedent which authoritatively provided that no individual can be detained and deported back to a ship. It must be to a known country. On the other issue, it is fought in parliament.
Conclusion. I am not sure whether the events described in this book really happened in Canada. If they did, they must have been very interesting to witness which makes the book engaging and absorbing. One of the best books I have read this year.
November 11, 2021
Arthur Hailey on üks põhjalik kirjanik, läks äärmiselt süvitsi, romaani kirjutamiseks kulus tal tihti umbes kolm aastat. Esimese aasta uuris tausta: näiteks "Hotelli" kirjutamiseks luges ta läbi 27 raamatut hotellindusest, "Rataste" puhul veetis kuid Detroidis autotehases, "Õhtuste uudiste" eeltöö hõlmas eluperioodi Peruus sissidega. Siis töötas ta pool aastat märkmetega, mis päädis pooleteiseaastase kirjutamisperioodiga. See kõik on näiteks populaarsest "Lennujaamast" lugejatele vägagi tuttav.
Huvitav detail - Hailey pidas "Kõrgeid ametikohti" oma parimaks raamatuks.
"Kõrged ametikohad" võtab ette Kanada (välis)poliitika. Kes on "Lennujaama" lugenud, selle jaoks on stiililiselt see raamat siin kindlasti natuke tuttav. Isegi kui Hailey kirjutab tegelikult ilukirjandust, siis on see kõik siin hoolega läbimõeldud ja eemalt vaadates loogiline. Raamat ilmus esmakordselt aastal 1961 ning keerleb suures osas ümber külma sõja. Nimelt kardetakse, et Nõukogude Liit võib ühel hetkel lasta käiku tuumarelva, selle vastu on küll Ameerikal olemas omad tõrjeraketid, millega suudetakse reageerida paari minutiga. Kui nüüd kaardi peale vaadata, siis kipub Kanada jääma kuhugi sinna vahepeale - ehk siis venelaste tuumapead lastakse alla nii, et Kanada muutuks üsna elamiskõlbmatuks tühermaaks.
Seega ongi üheks läbivaks jooneks läbirääkimised ja mõtisklused teemal, kus Kanada ja USA teeksid omamoodi baaside kokkuleppe, Kanada sõjavägi saadetaks laiali ning USA tooks enda raketid siis Kanadasse. Teoorias peaks Kanada jääma küll iseisesvaks, samas kardavad Kanada poliitikud, et nad muutuksid USA 51. osariigiks.
Teine teema on immigratsioonipoliitika, kus Kanada võitleb riiki sisseimbuvate võõraste nägudega. Jällegi ei midagi uut kui vaadata, millega tänapäeval tegeletakse. St on ka huvitav lugeda, kuidas ajast aega on olnud nii, et riikidel on suured ja põletavad probleemid - ning siis tuleb teatud tüüp poliitikuid, ajakirjandus sabas ning hakkab peale jaur üksikisiku ümber.
Kui natuke lihtsustada - ega laias laastus muud raamatus polegi justkui. St siin on mitmeid võimuahneid poliitikuid, on ametnikke, advokaate. On mehi ja naisi, armusuhteid, kõrvalliine. Nagu Hailey'le ikka kombeks, siis kangelasi siit raamatust ei leia - on inimesed, kes elavad oma elu, kes on kõrgetel ametikohtadel. Mõned tõbrased, mõned õilsamad. Kõik see on mõnusalt ning eluliselt kirja pandud, mõjub igatepidi ajatult. Mis on samal ajal nii pluss kui miinus - pluss seetõttu, et ajatud teosed on omaette kvaliteedimärk. Miinus seetõttu, et kuna praegune päevapoliitika ja viimased viisteist aastat juba... aga las see olla.
Raamat on huvitavalt küljendatud. Mõtlen just fonti - ma pole sellist raamatus varem väga kohanud. Kusjuures mul on mõned haileyd veel ootamas, samast Erseni "menukirjanike sarjast" - ning nad on ilmunud teineteisele lähestikku, aasta-paarise vahega. Ning kõigil on erinev šrift. No igaljuhul mulle "Kõrgete ametikohtade" fondivalik meeldis.
Matti Piirimaa tõlge oli üldiselt hea, kirjavigu sisuliselt polnud. Samas oli paar kohta, kus tõlkija-toimetaja-korrektor ei olnud kas konteksti tajunud, või siis tegid kehva tööd. Aga see selleks, üldjoontes ei seganud.
Järjekordne mõnus lugemine Arthur Hailey'lt, väärt kirjanik. Tegu pole põnevikuga, samas on seda kohati päris põnev lugeda. Pole küll "Lennujaam" - aga vähesed raamatud on. Muidugi tasub arvestada sellega, et mõnevõrra võiksid igasugused poliitilised mängud ja võimuvõitlus huvi pakkuda. Ka võiks natuke ajalugu tunda, annab päris palju tausta juurde. Selles mõttes on "Lennujaam" tiba tuttavam ja turvalisem teos, kuna maailm on mingis osas "harju keskmisele lugejale" adutavam. Samas on "Kõrged ametikohad" loetav igaljuhul, pealegi teame me kõik, kuidas tuleb riiki juhtida. Või lennukit.
Huvitav detail - Hailey pidas "Kõrgeid ametikohti" oma parimaks raamatuks.
"Kõrged ametikohad" võtab ette Kanada (välis)poliitika. Kes on "Lennujaama" lugenud, selle jaoks on stiililiselt see raamat siin kindlasti natuke tuttav. Isegi kui Hailey kirjutab tegelikult ilukirjandust, siis on see kõik siin hoolega läbimõeldud ja eemalt vaadates loogiline. Raamat ilmus esmakordselt aastal 1961 ning keerleb suures osas ümber külma sõja. Nimelt kardetakse, et Nõukogude Liit võib ühel hetkel lasta käiku tuumarelva, selle vastu on küll Ameerikal olemas omad tõrjeraketid, millega suudetakse reageerida paari minutiga. Kui nüüd kaardi peale vaadata, siis kipub Kanada jääma kuhugi sinna vahepeale - ehk siis venelaste tuumapead lastakse alla nii, et Kanada muutuks üsna elamiskõlbmatuks tühermaaks.
Seega ongi üheks läbivaks jooneks läbirääkimised ja mõtisklused teemal, kus Kanada ja USA teeksid omamoodi baaside kokkuleppe, Kanada sõjavägi saadetaks laiali ning USA tooks enda raketid siis Kanadasse. Teoorias peaks Kanada jääma küll iseisesvaks, samas kardavad Kanada poliitikud, et nad muutuksid USA 51. osariigiks.
Teine teema on immigratsioonipoliitika, kus Kanada võitleb riiki sisseimbuvate võõraste nägudega. Jällegi ei midagi uut kui vaadata, millega tänapäeval tegeletakse. St on ka huvitav lugeda, kuidas ajast aega on olnud nii, et riikidel on suured ja põletavad probleemid - ning siis tuleb teatud tüüp poliitikuid, ajakirjandus sabas ning hakkab peale jaur üksikisiku ümber.
Kui natuke lihtsustada - ega laias laastus muud raamatus polegi justkui. St siin on mitmeid võimuahneid poliitikuid, on ametnikke, advokaate. On mehi ja naisi, armusuhteid, kõrvalliine. Nagu Hailey'le ikka kombeks, siis kangelasi siit raamatust ei leia - on inimesed, kes elavad oma elu, kes on kõrgetel ametikohtadel. Mõned tõbrased, mõned õilsamad. Kõik see on mõnusalt ning eluliselt kirja pandud, mõjub igatepidi ajatult. Mis on samal ajal nii pluss kui miinus - pluss seetõttu, et ajatud teosed on omaette kvaliteedimärk. Miinus seetõttu, et kuna praegune päevapoliitika ja viimased viisteist aastat juba... aga las see olla.
Raamat on huvitavalt küljendatud. Mõtlen just fonti - ma pole sellist raamatus varem väga kohanud. Kusjuures mul on mõned haileyd veel ootamas, samast Erseni "menukirjanike sarjast" - ning nad on ilmunud teineteisele lähestikku, aasta-paarise vahega. Ning kõigil on erinev šrift. No igaljuhul mulle "Kõrgete ametikohtade" fondivalik meeldis.
Matti Piirimaa tõlge oli üldiselt hea, kirjavigu sisuliselt polnud. Samas oli paar kohta, kus tõlkija-toimetaja-korrektor ei olnud kas konteksti tajunud, või siis tegid kehva tööd. Aga see selleks, üldjoontes ei seganud.
Järjekordne mõnus lugemine Arthur Hailey'lt, väärt kirjanik. Tegu pole põnevikuga, samas on seda kohati päris põnev lugeda. Pole küll "Lennujaam" - aga vähesed raamatud on. Muidugi tasub arvestada sellega, et mõnevõrra võiksid igasugused poliitilised mängud ja võimuvõitlus huvi pakkuda. Ka võiks natuke ajalugu tunda, annab päris palju tausta juurde. Selles mõttes on "Lennujaam" tiba tuttavam ja turvalisem teos, kuna maailm on mingis osas "harju keskmisele lugejale" adutavam. Samas on "Kõrged ametikohad" loetav igaljuhul, pealegi teame me kõik, kuidas tuleb riiki juhtida. Või lennukit.
April 11, 2024
This novel, originally published in 1962, is set in Canada during the Cold War and follows Prime Minister James Howden as he faces challenges both at home and abroad. Howden holds an unstable majority in Parliament while on the international scene there is a growing threat of thermonuclear war and on the domestic front an immigration issue has become a flashpoint for passionate discussion and public scrutiny over national policy. Howden worries that the immigration debate may ultimately reveal a secret agreement he made years ago with a former ally, one that lies hidden in the background, threatening to raise its ugly head. Both issues are being discussed in the news media, threatening the teetering balance of power Howden holds in the House and may even be enough to unseat him in the next election.
At home, Howden’s marriage to Margaret remains quiet and peaceful but without passion, as he still feels guilty over his past affair with his assistant Milly Freedeman. It at least provides a retreat from the stress and noise that is part of his daily political life.
The novel includes three intersecting plotlines, each interweaving people and events common to the overall narrative. The first immerses readers in Howden’s work in politics and where at the office, his right-hand man Brian Richardson is having an affair with Milly. The second focuses on an immigration problem unraveling in Vancouver on Canada’s west coast, where a foreign ship has landed and a young lawyer is trying to help an illegal immigrant enter the country. The third plot involves the international crisis developing over the Russian threat of nuclear war and the ongoing discussions between Canada and the United States as they try to coordinate a defense plan to ensure both countries survive.
The immigration issue is one fraught with complications as it threatens to uncover the quiet agreement Howden made nine years ago with Harvey Warrender to secure his position as premier. Warrender, a former ally, now Minister of Immigration, supports a closed-door policy, and is against Alan Maitland the young lawyer currently fighting to allow his client Henri DuVal, who was born at sea, to enter the country and become a landed immigrant. Public discussion of the issue is heated and as the two argue over policy, their relationship deteriorates and the opposition seizes on the opportunity to use this case as a rallying cry to unseat Howen’s leadership.
As each of these narratives unfolds, Howden successfully negotiates an agreement with the United States and his assistant Brian Richardson neutralizes the threat from Wallender. However, the immigration issue remains unresolved and threatens Howden’s ability to hold on to power in the coming election. The novel ends with Howden about to address Parliament and announce the agreement he has come to with the United States, an agreement that will have a shocking effect on the current borders.
Hailey is a master story teller who not only spins an interesting tale filled with intrigue and suspense, includes interesting and realistic characters, but also educates his readers about the workings of the Canadian government and the political systems that support it. It gives readers another great story from an accomplished, bestselling author and provides a thoroughly entertaining read.
At home, Howden’s marriage to Margaret remains quiet and peaceful but without passion, as he still feels guilty over his past affair with his assistant Milly Freedeman. It at least provides a retreat from the stress and noise that is part of his daily political life.
The novel includes three intersecting plotlines, each interweaving people and events common to the overall narrative. The first immerses readers in Howden’s work in politics and where at the office, his right-hand man Brian Richardson is having an affair with Milly. The second focuses on an immigration problem unraveling in Vancouver on Canada’s west coast, where a foreign ship has landed and a young lawyer is trying to help an illegal immigrant enter the country. The third plot involves the international crisis developing over the Russian threat of nuclear war and the ongoing discussions between Canada and the United States as they try to coordinate a defense plan to ensure both countries survive.
The immigration issue is one fraught with complications as it threatens to uncover the quiet agreement Howden made nine years ago with Harvey Warrender to secure his position as premier. Warrender, a former ally, now Minister of Immigration, supports a closed-door policy, and is against Alan Maitland the young lawyer currently fighting to allow his client Henri DuVal, who was born at sea, to enter the country and become a landed immigrant. Public discussion of the issue is heated and as the two argue over policy, their relationship deteriorates and the opposition seizes on the opportunity to use this case as a rallying cry to unseat Howen’s leadership.
As each of these narratives unfolds, Howden successfully negotiates an agreement with the United States and his assistant Brian Richardson neutralizes the threat from Wallender. However, the immigration issue remains unresolved and threatens Howden’s ability to hold on to power in the coming election. The novel ends with Howden about to address Parliament and announce the agreement he has come to with the United States, an agreement that will have a shocking effect on the current borders.
Hailey is a master story teller who not only spins an interesting tale filled with intrigue and suspense, includes interesting and realistic characters, but also educates his readers about the workings of the Canadian government and the political systems that support it. It gives readers another great story from an accomplished, bestselling author and provides a thoroughly entertaining read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2013
I cannot believe my brother reminded me of this stupid book yet again. The whole freaking thing was a build-up to . . .
Nothing.
In the end, it left me asking the question, "Why Canada? Why does it even exist? It is the ultimate build-up to nothing!!"
Sigh.
Nothing.
In the end, it left me asking the question, "Why Canada? Why does it even exist? It is the ultimate build-up to nothing!!"
Sigh.
February 8, 2026
political thriller
November 3, 2017
Suspenseful and interesting novel about Canadian and North American politics. The book contains many details of the workings of government in Canada.
May 30, 2014
Well Arthur Hailey was recommended to me by a friend who spoke rather highly of his writing prowess. So, when I got my hands on ' In High Places', I definitely was very excited. The book describes the political career of the Prime Minister of Canada James Howden,' the man whose destiny hangs on a scrap of paper' as the book summary suggests. The initial part of the book portrayes events which seem unrelated at that moment but are intricately related in the latter part of the book. The plot of the book encompasses politicians, lawyers as well as journalists. When I was halfway through the book, I was pretty sure that the book would make its way to my favourites, but I must say I was dissapointed by the ending of the book. Well, I am not sure if I can call it an ending after all. I thought that the book ended on an abrupt note. However, not regarding the ending, the book is very fantastic and a pleasure to read. Rest of the book compensates the lack of a proper ending. So a good read overall.
May 9, 2016
Arthur Hailey became one of my favourite authors when I read Moneychangers. That novel set the expectations so high, that may be I expected much more from the novel that is considered his best work. It has a brilliant plot, no doubt. The first half of the book is very exciting. But by the end of it I found it repetitive and boring. It was like taking a drama to the highest level, keep it there until it gets boring and then abruptly declare the end. There is way too much time spent on Duval's story. Also, I had not expected the story will end before Howden declares the Act of Union. I was very much looking forward to the drama that follows. That would have been way more interesting, including the way it affects Duval's new life. Nevertheless, Moneychangers remains my all time favourite.
March 11, 2011
A really interesting book about politics. Love Arthur Hailey's books.
November 8, 2019
In High Places
By
Arthur Hailey
An intriguing political novel.
With World War II having subsided greatly in the mid forties after retaliation by America in Hiroshima and Nagasaki - a sequel to Japan’s Pearl Harbour attack in the Hawaiian islands, there seemed to be still unabated tension kept in a concealed way between the two super powers - America and Soviet Russia. The quest to gain supremacy never ebbed. Both countries were trying to establish their hegemony with the help of their friendly nations. The Cold War was fumigating between these two powers to an extraordinary scale. It continued till the collapse of Soviet Russia in 1991.
This novel was written in 1962 by Arthur Hailey. He developed the story taking the clue from the the Cold War keeping the Canadian politics as the main theme.
The story begins on December 23, 1962 when three things, unconnected to one another, are happening. A call to the Prime Minister’s office of Canada from the President of United States on one side for a meet at Washington on January 2nd 1963, a big ship getting berthed at Vancouver port, and the third one happening at Ottawa, the capital of Canada - the Governor General holding a dinner at Government House to top dignitaries of the Canadian Cabinet.
Soviet Russia is threatening to bombard Canada, an ally of America. America desperately wants Canadian northern part to install its mighty military unit, to thwart the impending attack of Soviet Russia. The pressure from America to Canada creates divisions in the politics of Canada. Adding to the misery, a big ship is getting berthed at Vancouver port.
Arthur Hailey moves the plot with consummate ease, keeping the readers engrossed till the end. A stowaway in the ship which has just been berthed at the Vancouver port is going to be a big headache to the government. The political machinations arising out of denial of entry by the Immigration officials to the stowaway of the ship because of absence of documents as to the nativity for that orphaned boy, the introduction of a young lawyer coming to the defence of the stowaway and an episode of a probing reporter of a leading daily supporting the young advocate are given full effect and written in gripping style by Hailey. All newspapers of Canada are highly critical of the government stand on the denial of entry permit to that orphaned boy. The opposition party never misses the opportunity, fishing in troubled waters. The high-level talks between President of the U.S.A. and P.M. of Canada is taking place at Washington on January 2nd. as planned. America wants Canadian Army to join the U. S. Army and the northern part of Canada to be used as the base to combat the impending Soviet attack. Canada in turn is asking America to cede one of the States - Alaska to Canada. This isn’t acceptable to the President but later he succumbs to the pressures of Canadian P.M. who is on dictating terms. The stowaway matter is snowballing into a big crisis to the ruling establishment. Some of the Cabinet Ministers too are not supporting Prime Minister, who is rigid in his stand for merging the Canadian Army with U.S. Army in return for America to handing over Alaska. Most of the MPs feel, acceding to the American demand means surrender of Canadian sovereignty to America.
Hailey carries the story with finesse with some interesting episodes. Conversation between the characters is natural and flowing with the interest of the readers never waning throughout. The justice is impartial. The young lawyer is finally rewarded for his uprightness. He joins his lover. Other episodes also come to a neat and logical end.
The clock chimes four and the time for deciding the future of Canada with the announcement of the Prime Minister going to be announced to the House of Commons.
I reproduce the last sentences.
“The Speaker intoned:
“The Prime Minister.”
Deliberately, not knowing what the future held, he rose to address the House......”
The novel ends and we also take leave, wishing Canada a bright future.
I was fully obsessed with it.
A wonderful novel!
By
Arthur Hailey
An intriguing political novel.
With World War II having subsided greatly in the mid forties after retaliation by America in Hiroshima and Nagasaki - a sequel to Japan’s Pearl Harbour attack in the Hawaiian islands, there seemed to be still unabated tension kept in a concealed way between the two super powers - America and Soviet Russia. The quest to gain supremacy never ebbed. Both countries were trying to establish their hegemony with the help of their friendly nations. The Cold War was fumigating between these two powers to an extraordinary scale. It continued till the collapse of Soviet Russia in 1991.
This novel was written in 1962 by Arthur Hailey. He developed the story taking the clue from the the Cold War keeping the Canadian politics as the main theme.
The story begins on December 23, 1962 when three things, unconnected to one another, are happening. A call to the Prime Minister’s office of Canada from the President of United States on one side for a meet at Washington on January 2nd 1963, a big ship getting berthed at Vancouver port, and the third one happening at Ottawa, the capital of Canada - the Governor General holding a dinner at Government House to top dignitaries of the Canadian Cabinet.
Soviet Russia is threatening to bombard Canada, an ally of America. America desperately wants Canadian northern part to install its mighty military unit, to thwart the impending attack of Soviet Russia. The pressure from America to Canada creates divisions in the politics of Canada. Adding to the misery, a big ship is getting berthed at Vancouver port.
Arthur Hailey moves the plot with consummate ease, keeping the readers engrossed till the end. A stowaway in the ship which has just been berthed at the Vancouver port is going to be a big headache to the government. The political machinations arising out of denial of entry by the Immigration officials to the stowaway of the ship because of absence of documents as to the nativity for that orphaned boy, the introduction of a young lawyer coming to the defence of the stowaway and an episode of a probing reporter of a leading daily supporting the young advocate are given full effect and written in gripping style by Hailey. All newspapers of Canada are highly critical of the government stand on the denial of entry permit to that orphaned boy. The opposition party never misses the opportunity, fishing in troubled waters. The high-level talks between President of the U.S.A. and P.M. of Canada is taking place at Washington on January 2nd. as planned. America wants Canadian Army to join the U. S. Army and the northern part of Canada to be used as the base to combat the impending Soviet attack. Canada in turn is asking America to cede one of the States - Alaska to Canada. This isn’t acceptable to the President but later he succumbs to the pressures of Canadian P.M. who is on dictating terms. The stowaway matter is snowballing into a big crisis to the ruling establishment. Some of the Cabinet Ministers too are not supporting Prime Minister, who is rigid in his stand for merging the Canadian Army with U.S. Army in return for America to handing over Alaska. Most of the MPs feel, acceding to the American demand means surrender of Canadian sovereignty to America.
Hailey carries the story with finesse with some interesting episodes. Conversation between the characters is natural and flowing with the interest of the readers never waning throughout. The justice is impartial. The young lawyer is finally rewarded for his uprightness. He joins his lover. Other episodes also come to a neat and logical end.
The clock chimes four and the time for deciding the future of Canada with the announcement of the Prime Minister going to be announced to the House of Commons.
I reproduce the last sentences.
“The Speaker intoned:
“The Prime Minister.”
Deliberately, not knowing what the future held, he rose to address the House......”
The novel ends and we also take leave, wishing Canada a bright future.
I was fully obsessed with it.
A wonderful novel!
November 26, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Brillance Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
International politics is never easy. The power plays, the egos, the risk of war. With a calm history between them, it’s always appeared that Canada and the United Sites have been great allies along their 5500-mile border. But that all changes when a scheming politician decides it’s time to unite the two countries to fight against a common enemy. The question becomes is that enemy the threat of nuclear war, or is it common political maneuvering?
Originally released in 1962, Arthur Hailey’s In High Places feels all too real and relevant in the 2025 political climate. Immigration challenges, freely elected officials turned dictators, and political corruption abound with Hailey’s characters on both sides of the border. Readers will question if national security and politics are worth moral failures and if turning away those in need trumps the desperate need to hold on to whatever political power you have left. Where Hailey originally intended this novel to be a diatribe against Cold War strategies, his work has found new relevance 60 years later with the chaos that developed with political positioning on both sides of the international boundary. With mystery and romance, Hailey brings readers through a story reminiscent of the golden age of Camelot while feeling like a peek behind the curtains of the Trump administration.
I give In High Places 4 out of 5 stars. While I liked this book, pieces of the narrative felt disjointed and unnecessary. The political positioning was spot on, but the affairs and personal stories did little to further the plot for the majority of the book. I also had a hard time connecting to several of the characters because of the failed personal story inclusion. Hailey fills this book with characters of similar title and office, as well as name and personal plot, that I found myself having a hard time telling a few of the characters apart. Some of these chapters were longer than I had expected and Hailey’s use of language and terms common to Canadian politics in the 60’s but not American readers today made me pause several times to review or look up definitions to better understand the novel. With that said, this is a book I could easily see being made into a TV show or limited series – several scenes felt like they belonged on “The West Wing” or “Designated Survivor”.
The upcoming release of the audiobook version is giving Hailey’s work life among a new generation of readers. With references to adultery, murder, and impending nuclear threats, this may not be a top choice for all readers. I would recommend this to readers who have enjoyed other works by authors like David Baldaci, Jeffrey Archer, or Mary Higgins Clark. If you have a reader who enjoyed this book when first released but may be having a difficult time reading written novels several decades later, I would also suggest this audiobook as a great gift for them - the narration and flow made it an easy listen.
International politics is never easy. The power plays, the egos, the risk of war. With a calm history between them, it’s always appeared that Canada and the United Sites have been great allies along their 5500-mile border. But that all changes when a scheming politician decides it’s time to unite the two countries to fight against a common enemy. The question becomes is that enemy the threat of nuclear war, or is it common political maneuvering?
Originally released in 1962, Arthur Hailey’s In High Places feels all too real and relevant in the 2025 political climate. Immigration challenges, freely elected officials turned dictators, and political corruption abound with Hailey’s characters on both sides of the border. Readers will question if national security and politics are worth moral failures and if turning away those in need trumps the desperate need to hold on to whatever political power you have left. Where Hailey originally intended this novel to be a diatribe against Cold War strategies, his work has found new relevance 60 years later with the chaos that developed with political positioning on both sides of the international boundary. With mystery and romance, Hailey brings readers through a story reminiscent of the golden age of Camelot while feeling like a peek behind the curtains of the Trump administration.
I give In High Places 4 out of 5 stars. While I liked this book, pieces of the narrative felt disjointed and unnecessary. The political positioning was spot on, but the affairs and personal stories did little to further the plot for the majority of the book. I also had a hard time connecting to several of the characters because of the failed personal story inclusion. Hailey fills this book with characters of similar title and office, as well as name and personal plot, that I found myself having a hard time telling a few of the characters apart. Some of these chapters were longer than I had expected and Hailey’s use of language and terms common to Canadian politics in the 60’s but not American readers today made me pause several times to review or look up definitions to better understand the novel. With that said, this is a book I could easily see being made into a TV show or limited series – several scenes felt like they belonged on “The West Wing” or “Designated Survivor”.
The upcoming release of the audiobook version is giving Hailey’s work life among a new generation of readers. With references to adultery, murder, and impending nuclear threats, this may not be a top choice for all readers. I would recommend this to readers who have enjoyed other works by authors like David Baldaci, Jeffrey Archer, or Mary Higgins Clark. If you have a reader who enjoyed this book when first released but may be having a difficult time reading written novels several decades later, I would also suggest this audiobook as a great gift for them - the narration and flow made it an easy listen.
October 5, 2021
This time it is one from my school time favorite Arthur Hailey. “In High Places” Written way back in sixties when the Second World War had ended with devastation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Countries were trying to align under the nuclear umbrella of The Super Powers. Thanks to Rupa Publications For bringing the book to the readers in India.
The story starts with the Canadian Prime Minister James Howden being invited to sign the Act of Union by the American President Tyler. After tough negotiations the Prime Minister agrees to sign the act of union bargaining for Alaska in his favor. He is confident that he will be able to convince his House of Commons and people back home with the deal he has cracked for them.
In the meantime, the story of a stowaway (A man without a country of his own) Henri Duval on the ship Vastervik sailing ashore at Vancouver asking for citizenship from immigration ministry becomes a hot story for opposition and media. Denial of citizenship to the stowaway under the immigration rules of the country becomes a bone of contention between the government and opposition. This coming at a crucial time when the act of union has to be discussed in the House of Commons. The stowaway Is able to get a haebus corpus Writ in his favor from the judiciary by the efforts of Alan Maitland, his advocate. The spirits of the Prime Minister are further dented by the defection of his six colleagues. In spite of all this we see that the Prime Minister goes to address the House of Commons in high spirits, with an open mind even against all odds.
Reading the book, we get an insight into the lives of these public figures. How strongly they are supported by their friends and family members. As I progressed reading the book, I concluded that our parliament is no different to their House of Commons. Blackmailing and bargaining for any and everything seems to be a solution for the opposition. Equation of power in the biggest temple of constitution is changing every moment with every statement made or press note released.
The book was an interesting look into the lives of theses public figures. They appear in public always smiling and cheerful. But they also have their highs and lows. They also need shoulders to weep. After all they are human beings.
The story starts with the Canadian Prime Minister James Howden being invited to sign the Act of Union by the American President Tyler. After tough negotiations the Prime Minister agrees to sign the act of union bargaining for Alaska in his favor. He is confident that he will be able to convince his House of Commons and people back home with the deal he has cracked for them.
In the meantime, the story of a stowaway (A man without a country of his own) Henri Duval on the ship Vastervik sailing ashore at Vancouver asking for citizenship from immigration ministry becomes a hot story for opposition and media. Denial of citizenship to the stowaway under the immigration rules of the country becomes a bone of contention between the government and opposition. This coming at a crucial time when the act of union has to be discussed in the House of Commons. The stowaway Is able to get a haebus corpus Writ in his favor from the judiciary by the efforts of Alan Maitland, his advocate. The spirits of the Prime Minister are further dented by the defection of his six colleagues. In spite of all this we see that the Prime Minister goes to address the House of Commons in high spirits, with an open mind even against all odds.
Reading the book, we get an insight into the lives of these public figures. How strongly they are supported by their friends and family members. As I progressed reading the book, I concluded that our parliament is no different to their House of Commons. Blackmailing and bargaining for any and everything seems to be a solution for the opposition. Equation of power in the biggest temple of constitution is changing every moment with every statement made or press note released.
The book was an interesting look into the lives of theses public figures. They appear in public always smiling and cheerful. But they also have their highs and lows. They also need shoulders to weep. After all they are human beings.
November 26, 2025
Thanks to Brilliance Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC in audio format.
Arthur Hailey’s In High Places audiobook is a taut political thriller that immerses listeners in the precarious balance of global power, blending suspense with sharp insights into diplomacy and human ambition.
🎧 Originally published in 1960, In High Places explores the corridors of power during a time when the threat of nuclear war loomed large, easily still relatable to current political threats at least in the United States.
Hailey dramatizes the relationship between the U.S. President and Canada’s Prime Minister as they navigate crises that could tip the world into a third world war.
Themes of political maneuvering, secrecy, and moral compromise dominate.
Hailey portrays leaders as strategists and flawed humans, caught between duty and personal vulnerability.
Hailey’s hallmark is his ability to weave institutional detail with human drama. Here, he captures the tension of high-stakes diplomacy through vivid scenes: clandestine meetings, backroom deals, and the psychological toll of leadership.
The prose is brisk, with dialogue that feels authentic to political negotiation.
The novel balances macro-level geopolitics with micro-level personal struggles, giving listeners both scale and intimacy.
The Audible edition, published by Brilliance Audio, delivers Hailey’s narrative with clarity and gravitas.
- The narrator’s tone underscores the urgency of the plot, maintaining suspense without melodrama.
- Pacing is deliberate, allowing listeners to absorb the complexity of political exchanges while keeping tension alive.
- The audiobook format enhances Hailey’s dialogue-driven storytelling, making the political debates feel immediate and immersive.
Hailey’s research into governmental processes lends credibility.
The looming threat of war creates a constant undercurrent of tension.
Leaders are depicted with nuance—ambitious yet vulnerable, pragmatic yet morally conflicted.
In High Places remains a compelling listen for fans of political thrillers, especially those intrigued by Cold War-era diplomacy. The audiobook captures Hailey’s blend of institutional drama and human frailty, offering a story that feels both historically grounded and timeless in its exploration of power.
Arthur Hailey’s In High Places audiobook is a taut political thriller that immerses listeners in the precarious balance of global power, blending suspense with sharp insights into diplomacy and human ambition.
🎧 Originally published in 1960, In High Places explores the corridors of power during a time when the threat of nuclear war loomed large, easily still relatable to current political threats at least in the United States.
Hailey dramatizes the relationship between the U.S. President and Canada’s Prime Minister as they navigate crises that could tip the world into a third world war.
Themes of political maneuvering, secrecy, and moral compromise dominate.
Hailey portrays leaders as strategists and flawed humans, caught between duty and personal vulnerability.
Hailey’s hallmark is his ability to weave institutional detail with human drama. Here, he captures the tension of high-stakes diplomacy through vivid scenes: clandestine meetings, backroom deals, and the psychological toll of leadership.
The prose is brisk, with dialogue that feels authentic to political negotiation.
The novel balances macro-level geopolitics with micro-level personal struggles, giving listeners both scale and intimacy.
The Audible edition, published by Brilliance Audio, delivers Hailey’s narrative with clarity and gravitas.
- The narrator’s tone underscores the urgency of the plot, maintaining suspense without melodrama.
- Pacing is deliberate, allowing listeners to absorb the complexity of political exchanges while keeping tension alive.
- The audiobook format enhances Hailey’s dialogue-driven storytelling, making the political debates feel immediate and immersive.
Hailey’s research into governmental processes lends credibility.
The looming threat of war creates a constant undercurrent of tension.
Leaders are depicted with nuance—ambitious yet vulnerable, pragmatic yet morally conflicted.
In High Places remains a compelling listen for fans of political thrillers, especially those intrigued by Cold War-era diplomacy. The audiobook captures Hailey’s blend of institutional drama and human frailty, offering a story that feels both historically grounded and timeless in its exploration of power.
February 23, 2020
In High Places (Mass market paperback) by Arthur Hailey – Novel 1962- The plot follows the political and prosfessional career of Mr James McCallum Howden, Prime Minister of Canada relating to foreign policy of Canada and USA during the crisis period of cold war which may result in thermonuclear war with USSR. According ot the Book, the PM faces challenges in goverence at three fronts first, personal life with this wife Margaret and also with his assistant Milly Freedeman. Second about immigration reform about policy on foreign nationals . Third, foreign policy about threat of thermonuclear war with USSR. The government has been formed on a thin majority. His marriage is passionless and he moves towards his assistant Milly for strength. The three stories intermingle into one another to move the story of the novel. Another male character is Brian Richardson who is his associate who develops an affair with Milly Freedeman. Third male character is Harvey Wanderer , politician who has helped the Prime minister retain party leadership in parliament. Opposition initiates a campaign about illegal immigration in Vancouver, British Columbia. A court trial is being conducted for which the opposition plans showdown of government. According to the novel, Prime Minister negotiates a treaty with USA. Soon election is announced and the government has to face the result of work in the preious years. The book ends with the Prime Minister’s plan to deliver a speech about deliverance of promises made by his government on home front and foreign polcy. The shows the story of ordinary foreigner fighting for immigration and public support, high regard for law and Courts. It is class novel and a good read for all readers.
May 16, 2017
This is one of Hailey's earlier works and not one of his better known. It was written before he developed his style of focusing on the day to day work life of ordinary people however, his gift of finding the very interesting in the very common is just beginning to make itself evident. The story is of Canadian politics in the early 1960s against the background of the cold war (which is heating up) and a Canadian society that struggles in establishing its identity--especially as that identity relates to the USA and to immigration.
The book could not be called great literature but it is interesting. It's interesting for several reasons. First, the story is interesting (even if not entirely plausible) and it does draw the reader in to ask "What happens then?" More important for Canadians it gives us a reminder of who we were and what we were like in the early 1960s. For the 21st century Canadian the then Immigration act is embarassing, as is the attitude to certain minority groups in the country. The latter do not appear often, but they do indicate the author is a very perceptive individual who has some concerns about the social structure. Finally, it is a good reminder of political tensions before the personal computer era. Sharing informaiton nation wide within twelve hours was considered lightning speed.
This is by no means a must read book--but, it's a great bedside table book and it is an interesting read that reveals more about Canada in the early 1960s than many of its contemporaries.
The book could not be called great literature but it is interesting. It's interesting for several reasons. First, the story is interesting (even if not entirely plausible) and it does draw the reader in to ask "What happens then?" More important for Canadians it gives us a reminder of who we were and what we were like in the early 1960s. For the 21st century Canadian the then Immigration act is embarassing, as is the attitude to certain minority groups in the country. The latter do not appear often, but they do indicate the author is a very perceptive individual who has some concerns about the social structure. Finally, it is a good reminder of political tensions before the personal computer era. Sharing informaiton nation wide within twelve hours was considered lightning speed.
This is by no means a must read book--but, it's a great bedside table book and it is an interesting read that reveals more about Canada in the early 1960s than many of its contemporaries.
January 28, 2026
I rarely DNF a book. I almost never do it on principle. But In High Places earned it — 122 pages in — by making me feel like I’d wandered into a museum exhibit labeled “Women As Furniture, 1962.”
This novel is often praised as a political thriller, but what it actually delivers is a relentless parade of men being important while women exist to soothe them, serve them, tempt them, or silently absorb their damage. Every female character is filtered through a male gaze so thick it feels like fog: their value measured by beauty, loyalty, sexual availability, or emotional usefulness.
What makes it worse is that the book doesn’t seem to realize this is a problem. There’s no subversion coming. No critique of power. No moment where the narrative steps back and says, “Hey, maybe this worldview is broken.” Instead, it doubles down — presenting male authority as natural, noble, and self-evident, while women are written as appendages orbiting it.
I kept waiting for the story to justify the discomfort. It never did. It only kept insisting that this was “normal.”
And maybe in 1962 it was. But reading it now, without irony or self-awareness, feels like being trapped inside a polished piece of institutional sexism — one that still expects you to admire the craftsmanship while it quietly erases half of humanity.
Life is too short to finish books that treat women like décor.
DNF at page 122 — not because it was challenging, but because it was empty of anything I’m willing to sit with.
This novel is often praised as a political thriller, but what it actually delivers is a relentless parade of men being important while women exist to soothe them, serve them, tempt them, or silently absorb their damage. Every female character is filtered through a male gaze so thick it feels like fog: their value measured by beauty, loyalty, sexual availability, or emotional usefulness.
What makes it worse is that the book doesn’t seem to realize this is a problem. There’s no subversion coming. No critique of power. No moment where the narrative steps back and says, “Hey, maybe this worldview is broken.” Instead, it doubles down — presenting male authority as natural, noble, and self-evident, while women are written as appendages orbiting it.
I kept waiting for the story to justify the discomfort. It never did. It only kept insisting that this was “normal.”
And maybe in 1962 it was. But reading it now, without irony or self-awareness, feels like being trapped inside a polished piece of institutional sexism — one that still expects you to admire the craftsmanship while it quietly erases half of humanity.
Life is too short to finish books that treat women like décor.
DNF at page 122 — not because it was challenging, but because it was empty of anything I’m willing to sit with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
Everyone knows Arthur Hailey; he wrote books such as "Airport" (which launched several movies), "Hotel" (another movie and a TV series), "The Moneychangers" (a tv mini series), and "Wheels" (a movie with Rock Hudson), among several others.
Now, his book "In High Places," which was written in 1962, has been turned into an audiobook, which has become my favorite way to read. Narrated by Braden Wright, the book follows the Canadian Prime Minister James McCallum Howden and the people who work around and with him. There are several stories going on at once, including an illegal immigrant trapped on a boat and the attorney trying to get him freedom, and diplomatic relations between Canada and the USA.
Apparently, Howden was forced to make a political pact with Harvey Warrender in order to become the party leader, and their falling out is an important part of the story, as is the relationship between Brian and Milly. Brian is the PM's right-hand man, and Milly, the PM's assistant, is falling for each other; however, Milly had also had an affair with Howden before he became the Prime Minister.
If it hasn't become clear already, there is a LOT going on in this book. Several stories collide, some don't, but all involve the Prime Minister.
Mind you, this book was written in 1962. The younger generation won't understand a world without cellphones and voicemail and reporters recording interviews with paper and pencil. Instead of computers, people use typewriters, and people can't just ask Google about a case before the Supreme Court.
I did enjoy this book; there are times it is a bit hard to follow who is who, but the plots are good and similar to today’s political environment. Mr. Wright does an excellent job reading the story, bringing the story to life. This is a great book from the past that is relevant today.
Now, his book "In High Places," which was written in 1962, has been turned into an audiobook, which has become my favorite way to read. Narrated by Braden Wright, the book follows the Canadian Prime Minister James McCallum Howden and the people who work around and with him. There are several stories going on at once, including an illegal immigrant trapped on a boat and the attorney trying to get him freedom, and diplomatic relations between Canada and the USA.
Apparently, Howden was forced to make a political pact with Harvey Warrender in order to become the party leader, and their falling out is an important part of the story, as is the relationship between Brian and Milly. Brian is the PM's right-hand man, and Milly, the PM's assistant, is falling for each other; however, Milly had also had an affair with Howden before he became the Prime Minister.
If it hasn't become clear already, there is a LOT going on in this book. Several stories collide, some don't, but all involve the Prime Minister.
Mind you, this book was written in 1962. The younger generation won't understand a world without cellphones and voicemail and reporters recording interviews with paper and pencil. Instead of computers, people use typewriters, and people can't just ask Google about a case before the Supreme Court.
I did enjoy this book; there are times it is a bit hard to follow who is who, but the plots are good and similar to today’s political environment. Mr. Wright does an excellent job reading the story, bringing the story to life. This is a great book from the past that is relevant today.
August 20, 2022
I remember reading a few other books by the same author, a couple of decade ago - Wheels, Final Diagnosis, Airport. There was also the one centred around power generation, I don't recall its name. So there was an expectation. And I'm glad I wasn't disappointed.
Unlike others, where the theme - be it airport operations or car manufacturing & so on - are so well researched that the reader gets a glimpse of the nuances of these processes, this novel is about politics. And the human element of it. Our frailty as well as our magnanimity is brought out equally well. The central character, James Howden's words, about how purity and politics don't go together, rings a bell much more in today's world. There are poignant moments. When Milly, James' secretary & Margaret, his wife, have a candid conversation, is one such for me. The intimate moments between James & his wife are endearing as they are revealing. The ending was a tad disappointing, but coming to think of it, there's no other way it could have ended either, so full marks :)
Unlike others, where the theme - be it airport operations or car manufacturing & so on - are so well researched that the reader gets a glimpse of the nuances of these processes, this novel is about politics. And the human element of it. Our frailty as well as our magnanimity is brought out equally well. The central character, James Howden's words, about how purity and politics don't go together, rings a bell much more in today's world. There are poignant moments. When Milly, James' secretary & Margaret, his wife, have a candid conversation, is one such for me. The intimate moments between James & his wife are endearing as they are revealing. The ending was a tad disappointing, but coming to think of it, there's no other way it could have ended either, so full marks :)
November 28, 2025
Alex Haley wrote the book and put a name on the career that I wanted to pursue, when I read Final Diagnosis. I read it in the late '60s. So when I saw the audio book for "In High Places" being available for an early listen to the audio version, I jumped at the chance. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
The narrator's voice is Canadian, which I recognized immediately. Then I realized that it was a story concerning intrigue between the US and Canada, timeframe 1960's. in the book, two countries were putting together a plan to join together to fight a potential nuclear war. There are human stories in the mix, including a second plot about a country-less man, marooned on a ship because no country would take him with no documented past, not even a birth certificate.
Although the time is in the past, the struggles between Canada and the US, although allies, were and continue to be real, especially with the political climate in 2025.
I enjoyed the audio book and the narrator did a great job.
The narrator's voice is Canadian, which I recognized immediately. Then I realized that it was a story concerning intrigue between the US and Canada, timeframe 1960's. in the book, two countries were putting together a plan to join together to fight a potential nuclear war. There are human stories in the mix, including a second plot about a country-less man, marooned on a ship because no country would take him with no documented past, not even a birth certificate.
Although the time is in the past, the struggles between Canada and the US, although allies, were and continue to be real, especially with the political climate in 2025.
I enjoyed the audio book and the narrator did a great job.
July 4, 2019
Arthur Hailey is the author of Airport, Hotel, The Moneychangers, and other well-read novels. In High Places was first published in 1961, a time of high tension between the USA and the Soviet Union, the Cold War, nuclear testing, the Berlin Wall, and for me, duck-and-cover drills under my classroom desk in junior high school. It was released again in 2014, a very different time for the world, so it is best read with the mindset of 1961 rather than the present. If a war with nuclear exchange was imminent between the West and the USSR, what might Canada and the USA do to ensure their survival? What would each nation be willing to give up to survive such a global holocaust? The story is told through the setting of Canada, its politicians and leaders, problems, identity, history, and aspects of its governmental structure and operations. Interesting characters and subplots, but leaves the reader wishing for a real ending. Three out of five stars.
November 18, 2024
If you have read this author, you understand the niche his books operate in. He selects an industry for each book - a different one each time - and then describes the realities of the industry, the pressures felt and the unique circumstances interestingly by fictionalizing the people who run or participate in the industry.
His style is good, and serious. It works every time, in my opinion. His "industry" in this book is the higher echelons of government. Mainly Canadian government, though there are some overlap with the US government too due to the plotline.
Don't expect twists, turns or great surprises in the plot in any of these books; you won't get it.
Is it interesting? Yes. Does it make you want to turn the pages fast enough and read it in one sitting? Hell, no!
A more detailed review can be found here.
-- Krishna
His style is good, and serious. It works every time, in my opinion. His "industry" in this book is the higher echelons of government. Mainly Canadian government, though there are some overlap with the US government too due to the plotline.
Don't expect twists, turns or great surprises in the plot in any of these books; you won't get it.
Is it interesting? Yes. Does it make you want to turn the pages fast enough and read it in one sitting? Hell, no!
A more detailed review can be found here.
-- Krishna
February 10, 2018
When I started reading the book, I felt the book is going to target more on domain of politics or house of prime minister than just a political drama. Owing to reading his previous books in that manner and having enjoyed it a lot, this book turning out to be a normal political drama was a great let down to me.
As usual the story is very thin line,it is through situation and people that the drama gets interesting. But these kinds of books with political drama is not something new and hence there was not big surprises. But as in other books though we could get to know about people and politics. If you have not read any political drama earlier this would be a different read, if you have watched movies or books on story involving political plot it is better u can just pass through this book.
As usual the story is very thin line,it is through situation and people that the drama gets interesting. But these kinds of books with political drama is not something new and hence there was not big surprises. But as in other books though we could get to know about people and politics. If you have not read any political drama earlier this would be a different read, if you have watched movies or books on story involving political plot it is better u can just pass through this book.
October 15, 2018
The lead character Howden, the PM of Canada is portrayed as leading the country from an imminent threat, a nuclear war between the USA and USSR. By the end of the book it becomes clear that Howden's premiership is threatened by the consequences of a pact which he makes in order to gain the party leadership. The book talks about how even a minor issue of a country-less wannabe-immigrant, can affect both personal and professional lives of the people involved, and can have a major impact on the popularity of the government. If you skip the boring parts, the book quite beautifully describes how people respond to a given situation and how their emotions play a big role in making decisions by looking at the bright side of the situation while rejecting, and even refusing to look at the other side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
Ще один сегмент, в який пішов Хейлі і знову зміг зробити це доволі яскраво і нестандартно.
На очах розігрується велика геополітична історія і декілька особистих історій людей. Відкриваються політичні реалії. І майстерно спрогнозувана неадекватність роззіі
Враження хороші, але два моменти, якв зняли одну зірку
- трохи повільно розвиваються події, це затягує книжку. А потім (останні 30-50 сторінок) Темп просто шалений. Мені трохи не вистачило балансу
- кінцівка залишила питання. Я зовсім не проти відкритих кінцівок, але вони мають давати тобі напрям і м’ясо для роздумів, ти маєшь інтуїтивно відчувати, що було далі. Тут цього не вистачило і деякі моменти для мене залишились закритими…
Але повторюсь - Хейлі молодець, дуже майстерний автор!
На очах розігрується велика геополітична історія і декілька особистих історій людей. Відкриваються політичні реалії. І майстерно спрогнозувана неадекватність роззіі
Враження хороші, але два моменти, якв зняли одну зірку
- трохи повільно розвиваються події, це затягує книжку. А потім (останні 30-50 сторінок) Темп просто шалений. Мені трохи не вистачило балансу
- кінцівка залишила питання. Я зовсім не проти відкритих кінцівок, але вони мають давати тобі напрям і м’ясо для роздумів, ти маєшь інтуїтивно відчувати, що було далі. Тут цього не вистачило і деякі моменти для мене залишились закритими…
Але повторюсь - Хейлі молодець, дуже майстерний автор!
October 2, 2022
I loved this book. Recommended for anyone who has a liking of history and politics and doesn't mind Canada as a setting. Some Americans might think - oh it's about the 1960's and it's about Canada so it doesn't matter. Oh no, it's high stakes, and you still feel it in 2022. A jockeying Canadian Prime Minister makes a play for a big ask, really big ask from the American President in the early 1960's. He's haunted by a potential scandal, really an extortion, and he's got a lot to deal with. But he's got a plan...
Hailey is good at setting up characters and then giving them a lot that bugs them in life.
Hailey is good at setting up characters and then giving them a lot that bugs them in life.
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