- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Penguin; New Ed edition (5 May 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0140293469
- ISBN-13: 978-0141026640
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 12.8 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (73 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 12,337 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
High Fidelity
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Product Description
From Amazon.co.uk
It has been said often enough that baby boomers are a television generation, but High Fidelity reminds that in a way they are the record-album generation as well. This hilarious novel is obsessed with music; Hornby's narrator is an early thirtysomething bloke who runs a London record store. He sells albums recorded the old-fashioned way--on vinyl--and is having a tough time making other transitions as well, specifically to adulthood. The book is in one sense a love story, both sweet and interesting; most entertaining, though, are the hilarious arguments over arcane matters of pop music. --Christine Buttery
Amazon.co.uk Review
It has been said often enough that baby boomers are a television generation, but High Fidelity reminds that in a way they are the record-album generation as well. This hilarious novel is obsessed with music; Hornby's narrator is an early thirtysomething bloke who runs a London record store. He sells albums recorded the old-fashioned way--on vinyl--and is having a tough time making other transitions as well, specifically to adulthood. The book is in one sense a love story, both sweet and interesting; most entertaining, though, are the hilarious arguments over arcane matters of pop music. --Christine Buttery
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Someone else mentioned that the first 32 pages alone were worth the price of the book -- and that reviewer is correct! This novel starts off beautifully: the tone of the narrator is wounded, possibly because he's reeling and in shock from the recent departure of his girlfriend, Laura. What we have is the narrator trying to come to grips with the situation, tabulate how truly hurt he is, weighing this "dumping" to former dumpings by past girlfriends, starting from the first girl he ever kissed.
I just love the tone; the guy is really hurting (and we've all been there). It's this tone I think that gives such clarity to his confessional. Anyway, following this "resume of relationship trauma," we follow as the narrator goes on to deal with his life and disappointments. As a record shop owner, he's considered an "underachiever," a loser by some. His ex is a lawyer, hence the dilemma. (The double standard is that a man can be a lawyer and have a girlfriend with a simple job and everything's fine; BUT if the woman partner is the lawyer -- then HE should at least be equally as "successful"?! Well, this smacks of reality. In the eyes of society, he needs to "grow up." Many of us reading it will feel differently, perhaps.) This book is really an accurate portrayal of the male psyche, and it delves into many of the anxieties and fears that men suffer. But Hornby knows how to mix humor with the moments of soul-searching, so it doesn't become a drag. In the end, this book is really a great romantic comedy. Certainly, one of the most honest, insightful, and funniest accounts of guy/gal relationships I've come across since reading The Losers Club by Richard Perez. Definitely don't hesitate to pick up a copy!
I just love the tone; the guy is really hurting (and we've all been there). It's this tone I think that gives such clarity to his confessional. Anyway, following this "resume of relationship trauma," we follow as the narrator goes on to deal with his life and disappointments. As a record shop owner, he's considered an "underachiever," a loser by some. His ex is a lawyer, hence the dilemma. (The double standard is that a man can be a lawyer and have a girlfriend with a simple job and everything's fine; BUT if the woman partner is the lawyer -- then HE should at least be equally as "successful"?! Well, this smacks of reality. In the eyes of society, he needs to "grow up." Many of us reading it will feel differently, perhaps.) This book is really an accurate portrayal of the male psyche, and it delves into many of the anxieties and fears that men suffer. But Hornby knows how to mix humor with the moments of soul-searching, so it doesn't become a drag. In the end, this book is really a great romantic comedy. Certainly, one of the most honest, insightful, and funniest accounts of guy/gal relationships I've come across since reading The Losers Club by Richard Perez. Definitely don't hesitate to pick up a copy!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
After THE LOSERS' CLUB, this is my favorite "guy" novel. It's an accurate portrayal of a guy's interior life, maybe the best depiction of male psychology and their uneasy relationship with opposite sex I've ever read. Plus, it's really funny!
The protagonist is just breaking up with his girlfriend; she's leaving him and this makes him recall all his past relationships, his past "failures" in trying to access the damage Laura, his new "ex," has done -- and how she stacks up compared to other gals who have broken his heart. This is first of the lists, Rob shares with us; the top 5 five list is a theme carried throughout the entire novel.
The protagonist is a used record shop owner, a modest business that is failing; Rob knows he should move on, but to what? His ex meanwhile is a lawyer, earning a great living. And that of course only underscores his feeling of "being left behind," or being some kind of protracted adolescent.
I love this book because I really related to the main character; we live in a materialistic age where at a certain point you start to feel foolish if you haven't established a "career." Rob's a passionate guy, passionate about music -- not a dullard, and yet he remains the way he always was, without much career ambition, content to indulge his passions. To me, he seems decent, pretty cool -- the type of guy you'd like to have as a pal. To women, no doubt, he's just a "loser."
There's a huge market of books for women, books that depict women's relationships and their needs, etc. -- this is one book that gives the male point of view.
It shows how frail men are, I think. Early on, Rob talks about "Charlie" an arty girl who he was insanely in love with and who dumped (and essentially crippled) him. I know guys like this, who after being dumped 10 years earlier still find themselves unable to deal with it. Because men are less able to access and deal with their feelings, certain feelings remain frozen inside them for years, paralysis of this kind is common. Women are just more emotionally resilient, I think.
In many ways, HIGH FIDELITY is a "guy" romantic comedy, a book about relationships after the age of 30, a book about societal expectations for men, a book about "recovery" from damaging relationships. Along the way it gives great insight into how guys think, male paranoia ("Is he better than me? [i.e. Bigger?]"), male insecurity and fear and sadness. Also the tendency of men to be a little narrow-minded (overly focused [ie, the top 5 lists]) at times, even misanthropic. At his age, Rob doesn't have many male friends, except for the two guys who help out at his record shop; other past friends, no doubt, have moved on, gotten married, formed families -- we (or at least I) can relate to the feeling of being "left behind." I think we all feel a little like Rob.
At first the book seems a little bitter, because the Rob is terribly wounded -- that's the tone of book: he's hurting. But as the novel continues, the book lightens up a bit and remains a truly enjoying reading experience. And I've read it more than once! Anyway, check out this book! And also read THE LOSER'S CLUB by Richard Perez -- another great "guy" book that in many ways is related to HIGH FIDELITY. Just excellent!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is so 'human', not muddled by all the pretensions of the commercial world. This book tells a story of, well, to be honest a rather sad man, it explains WHY men, (and women), can be the way they are. Be that neurotic and anally retentive about their record collection or something more serious. (IS there anything more serious??? The character in this book wouldn't think so!) High Fidelity is full of comedy, although occasionally a little dark, and is a fantastic read all the way! I finished this book begrudgingly, turning the last few pages slower and taking every word in like a slow deep breath - when you don't want it to end it must be a good! Highly recommended to those ladies who don't understand their boyfriends and would like to, and recommended to absolutely anybody else who like s a bit of truth in their books!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Astonishing
Over the years I have bought about half a dozen copies of "High Fidelity" and given them all away to friends with the exhortation to "...read this, it's just wonderful"! Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ian Kirkpatrick
quite amusing
I realy liked the book in the beginning, the character seems cool an makes you feel sympathy with his situation. Read more
Published 12 months ago by kkkkkk
Maybe in a few years
Nick Hornbys' novel "High Fidelity" tells the story about a midthirthy record store owner who is suffering from a late break up with his girlfriend Laura. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Carina
An enjoyable read
I read the Kindle version of this novel for something easy to read that wouldn't be too taxing on the brain. It fitted that need very nicely. Read more
Published 16 months ago by M. Gales
One of my top five reads
High Fidelity is a superb read written by a talented author on top form. The relationship involving Rob and Laura is authentic, funny and credible. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Mr. Craig Henderson
Nice book, but wrong cover
I purchased this book to replace a lost library book of the same title. When I saw the picture of the book on Amazon, I assumed I was purchasing the same cover. Never assume!
Published 18 months ago by Richard W. Doremus Jr.
An endearing novel - funny, thoughtful and sincere
High Fidelity, is a bitter-sweet novel about relationships. From a male perspective. Which makes it appeal to both men and (I think) the opposite sex. Read more
Published on 11 May 2010 by Talc Demon
High Fidelity
I finally got round to reading this having seen the film (High Fidelity [DVD] [2000]) a couple of years ago. If you enjoyed the film then you will certainly love this book. Read more
Published on 10 April 2010 by underthethumb
High Fidelity - Great Read!
I bought this with Streakers and loved them both, but felt compelled to come on here and give High Fidelity the big thumbs up! Read more
Published on 6 Oct 2009 by J. Bramley
High Fidelity
Hi everyone,
This is a short review about High Fidelity the novel by Nick Hornby. I've seen the film and to be honest it's one of my best. Read more
This is a short review about High Fidelity the novel by Nick Hornby. I've seen the film and to be honest it's one of my best. Read more
Published on 21 July 2009 by D. Johnson
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