In High Places

I'd like to share with you the way I feel about this story that I've read which is written by a British/Canadian novelist Arthur Hailey who is famous for his peculiar style - as a rule his novels are set within one major industry and based on detailed research. To formulate my general impression, I'd say that the atmosphere changes from solemn and firm to the mood of apprehension of a danger. The author builds the story around the Cold War.

The plot runs as follows. The story takes place in Canada in the Privy Council chamber where the protagonist, Prime Minister James McCallum Howden, and five other councillors are talking about the imminent threat from a possible nuclear war. Howden shares his thoughts concerning the consequences this war can lead to with his colleagues and tell them about the USA being willing to protect Canada if they agree to transfer their missile-launching sites. The councillors react negatively. Though they realize there is nothing left for them but accept the suggestion of the neighboring country.

At first the author describes the interior of the Privy Chamber where the councillors have gathered. Its description plunges the reader into a solemn and earnest atmosphere. He writes “Howden enters the high-ceilinged, beige carpeted Privy Council Chamber". The description makes the reader feel that everything that is going to be said there is of utmost importance and secrecy.

The high government officers have met to discuss the political situation in the world. As there is a possibility of a new world war, a nuclear one. First Howden wants to hear the ministers' points of view concerning the matter. Arthur Lexington, Minister of External Affairs, says the situation on the world arena looks quite bad and unstable. His words are "In my opinion, international tension at this moment is more serious and dangerous than at any other time since 1939". Here the author resorts to the allusion - to the catastrophic events of that time that has claimed millions of people - in order to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.

Lexington is very anxious about the delicate balance of international power. He says "I agree its difficult to accept