48 pages • 1 hour read •
High Fidelity
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Book Brief
340
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1990s
1995
Riverhead Books
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby follows Rob Fleming, a 35-year-old record store owner in London who, after being dumped by his girlfriend Laura, revisits his top five worst breakups to grasp his romantic failures. As he contacts his exes, he gains insights into his past and personal growth, ultimately rekindling his relationship with Laura and finding renewed purpose.
Nostalgic
Humorous
Romantic
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
209,699 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Nick Hornby's High Fidelity offers a witty, poignant exploration of relationships and self-discovery through the eyes of its music-obsessed protagonist. Reviewers praise its humor and relatable characters, though some criticize its occasional lack of depth and aimless narrative. Overall, it's lauded for its charm and emotional resonance.
Who Should Read High Fidelity?
Readers who enjoyed About a Boy by Nick Hornby or Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding will likely find High Fidelity appealing. This book attracts those who appreciate humor, romance, and the cultural landscape of pop music. Ideal for fans of character-driven narratives and introspective journeys of self-discovery.
209,699 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Laura Lydon
Laura Lydon
Rob's ex-girlfriend, whose breakup with him acts as a catalyst for his self-reflection and growth; she is a professional navigating the challenges of her career and personal life.
Marie LaSalle
Marie LaSalle
An American singer who spends a night with Rob following his breakup; she offers Rob a fresh perspective on relationships and remains a friend.
Ian
Ian
A former neighbor of Rob and Laura, Ian becomes involved with Laura after she leaves Rob, representing an alternative type of relationship for her.
Barry
Barry
An outspoken and often obnoxious employee at Rob’s record store, Barry aspires to be a musician and eventually forms a band, showcasing his transition from listener to performer.
Dick
Dick
A shy, introverted employee at Rob’s record store, Dick is passionate about music and gradually opens up, eventually forming a quiet but meaningful relationship.
High Fidelity was Nick Hornby's debut novel, published in 1995, and it quickly established him as a prominent voice in contemporary British literature.
The novel was adapted into a successful film in 2000 starring John Cusack, and it was later also turned into a musical and a television series.
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Nick Hornby was inspired by his own love of music and personal experiences with relationships when writing High Fidelity, which is evident in the book's deep dive into pop culture and emotional introspection.
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340
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1990s
1995
Riverhead Books
Adult
18+ years
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