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Also the pictures are wonderful.
Bettina
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The story focuses on Rob's relationships with his female companions and loyal record shop employees. Rob's in his early thirties, and althoug he realizes that he's been alive that long, hasn't really noticed much difference in how he's grown since his early twenties. Barry (obnoxious record store employee) and Dick (sensitive record store employee), are in a similar time warp. These three often go through conversations/arguments involving their 5 favorite (fill in this blank with a subject), i.e. movies, songs to hear on a Monday, songs to listen to during a hurricane, songs to bathe your dog by (I'm using a little license here, but it should give you an idea of the characters.)
This provides much comic relief, although actually there's comedy throughout. But the main focus is Rob's agonizing relationship with Laura. The agonizing is mostly in Rob's head, but can give insight into familiar relationship terrain, including fear of commitment, possessiveness, insecurities, and a few other things that really can't be given a neat one word title.
Hornby's best writing features the metamorphosis from what's swirling around in the squishy grey matter that is Rob's brain to what actually comes out of his mouth when he speaks. This is most evident in Rob's conversations with Laura. I could give an example of this, but really it's much better to let Hornby take care of that, when you read this book.
Hornby writes in brief chapters much like Michael Crichton. This provi! des for logical breaks from reading, but also pushes you forward, since you know the next chapter is really "just a couple more pages." You won't want to put his one down. I nee to read more Nick Hornby books.
Hornby captures the longing, ennui, humor and bitterness of the single male so perfectly, that every guy is bound to see some of himself in the lead character. The use of "Top 5" lists is a brilliant literary device. It advances the plot in almost every instance, while at the same time painting a complete and well-rounded portrait of the protagonist (and his friends). Plus, it's a fun way to start a debate with your own friends. The writing is sharp, the characters real and the plot engaging.
As a footnote, I think the movie did a wonderful job of adapting the book. The book is better, of course, but the film stays remarkably true to the spirit and letter of the original. There are entire passages from the book that are repeated in the script, which is very, very rare among adaptations.
"High Fidelity" by British writer Nick Hornby is probably the most humorous piece of fiction I have ever read. I have never read any of Hornby's other works, but after reading this, I can't wait to get started on the next.
Hornby's main character, Rob, narrates the entire book, letting the reader in on the "ins and outs" of the male mind. Very original. The book starts with Rob's girlfriend, Laura, moving her things out of their flat after they had broken up. Rob tries to convince himself that he will be fine, that the breakup won't affect him in any way, and that Laura will be back. From there, the story stems to Rob's trying to cope with losing Laura, and his many stages of getting over her.
The best part of this book, in my opinion, would be Rob's co-workers, Dick and Barry. They add just the right comedic touches to Rob's life that he needs, but doesn't realize it, or appreciate it, for that matter. The constant bickering between the three men in Rob's record store, Championship Vinyl, was enough to make me laugh out loud....honestly.
If I would have known better, I would have read this over the summer when I had more time to fully appreciate Hornby's writing, rather than reading it while having other things going on during this past semester at college. But, I fully recommend this book not only for it's humor, but because it has an excellent plot and is very well-written.
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