Book Review: High Fidelity

Title: High Fidelity

Author: Nick Hornby

Genre: Comedy, music, relationships

Recommended E.L.I. level: Intermediate+ and above


Plot: High Fidelity's main character and narrator is Rob Fleming, a record store owner with an obsession with lists and a vaguely dissatisfying life. Mostly he collects rare records and works at his store with his two employees/friends Dick and Barry. After a break up with his girlfriend, Laura, Rob starts to analyze his life. High Fidelity follows Rob's actions and thoughts as he tries to come to terms with what he has and what he needs.



I first read High Fidelity years ago when I was a university student. At the time I was quite a music geek myself and so I loved this book. The music references which are peppered throughout the book are great if you like music but not necessary to understand the story.The best thing about this book is the characterization. All of the characters feel like real people. The secondary characters Dick and Barry usually remind readers of some of their friends and most of the funniest parts of the book involve them.



This novel has some very good conversations in it. They feel like things that native speakers would actually say rather than something from a Hollywood movie. Don't worry if you have never heard of any of the musicians mentioned or if you don't understand which part of London the characters are talking about. Just enjoy the dialogue and the commentary on the different attitudes of men and women to relationships.

High Fidelity can be found in the E.L.I. lending library. Ask a teacher if you're not sure!