Get your own Free Home PageStrictly speaking, Hi Fidelity is the story of how Rob Fleming split up with Laura Lydon. Or, rather, it's the story of the ensuing few weeks after they split up, together with an awful lot of background, courtesy of Rob's internal voice. However, it's really so much more than that. It's a funny story; it's a story about relationships; it's a story about music, and a love of music; it's a story that sparks off many personal memories and feelings of deja vu.
The story is written from a very singular perspective; it is only Rob's voice that speaks to you, and you don't really get an idea of how any of the other characters feel, except through his interpretation of events. Such a viewpoint could have led to a seriously flawed plot line, had it not all been executed so damned well! The fact is, Rob Fleming (or, I guess, Nick Hornby) was speaking directly to me through this book. I could identify with Rob's feelings and the situations he gets himself in. The book made me laugh, and it made me sad, in equal measures. Somehow, Nick Hornby got inside my head and figured me out (or a large part of me, at least) when I wasn't looking. If you think about it, that's quite a worrying thing!
According to the jacket notes, I am not the only person who has identified so closely with the story. Indeed, one reviewer suggested that it be given to women as an illustration of how the male mind works. Perhaps that's not such a bad idea.
Nick Hornby has the sort of insight into the human (or perhaps I should say male) mind that very few writers have. He also has the ability to express it entertainingly on paper. For me, it wins the prize for being the first book I've read in a while that I have devoured in only a couple of days. If you like music, you'll like this book. If you like a witty story, you'll like this book. If you've ever had a crush on someone, you'll like this book. Read it; I defy you not to enjoy it.
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