Book Reviews and Thoughts :: The world of Books and Literature

Funny. Honest. Cute. Wise. Charming. Unputdownable.

High Fidelity is a story about a thirty-something British guy (Yes, a guy, not a man. You know the difference, right?), who owns a record store, collects records for his personal home collection, makes tapes for people, and has a fucked up love life. Let me rephrase, High Fidelity is a story of Rob, a guy with no life. Only, he thinks differently. Or maybe not. People have opinions, he has lists. For everything that happens in any given day, he makes a list. His girlfriend dumps him, he makes a list. His records don’t sell, he makes a list. His friends forget his birthday, he makes a list. His girlfriend’s father dies, well, he makes a list. If you are a girl, you don’t like Rob. But you know he is true and want him to be happy. If you are a guy, you relate to him, at one level or another.

Nick Hornby writes as we think in our heads – in simple, honest words. The conversation is sharp, the jokes are funny, and there is compassion. This book is not a work of super imagination, at least not a complete work of super imagination. Author’s deep insight into the shallowness of human nature makes me sure that the story is weaved from the experiences collected over time.

Hornby has done a great job of smoothly interlacing umpteen references to music with the story. Not even once does the mention of songs hinder the flow of the story. In fact, the story uses the songs to step forward. Another notable element is the strong characterization. Each character, however short its role may be, is depicted with such clarity and conviction that it comes alive in the reader’s head. I know Barry; I know Marie; I know Ray; I also know Rosy – the simultaneous orgasm, pain-in-the-arse girl. And yes, I love Hornby’s witty phrases.

So if you are looking for a charming, easy-to-read, out-and-out fun book about a man’s journey to getting sorted out, pick up High Fidelity.