High Fidelity

by Nick Hornby
High Fidelity cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Contemporary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 8973
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780140293463
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2000-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

High Fidelity is a delightful novel that blends humor and heartfelt moments to explore the complexities of love and self-discovery. The story follows Rob, a record store owner, as he navigates his past relationships and tries to understand what went wrong. Through his journey, the novel captures the essence of music's redemptive power and the universal quest for love and connection. /n/nThe book is praised for its witty and engaging narrative, which makes it a joy to read. It's a story that resonates with anyone who has ever loved music and struggled with the intricacies of relationships. High Fidelity is not just a novel; it's an experience that will leave you feeling young, grown-up, and utterly charmed.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2026-01-04
great 4.50

The novel is one of the best romance novels, fast-paced, funny, and insightful into the male psyche in relationships.

This reviewer considers the novel one of the best romance novels they have read, praising its fast-paced and funny nature. The reviewer appreciates the book's insightful portrayal of the male psyche in relationships, making it a relatable and engaging read. The novel is seen as a charming and humorous exploration of love and personal growth, with a narrative that resonates deeply with the reader.

Quick quotes

    Nick Hornby's High Fidelity is honestly one of the best romance novels I have read.

    Fast paced, funny and absolutely NAILS the male psyche in relationships.

    The novel is a charming and humorous exploration of love and personal growth.

Literary Review · Geoff Nicholson · 2025-12-24
great 4.50

This witty and good-natured book is deceptively profound, with a likeable and readable narrative. The humor and depth make it a standout novel.

Geoff Nicholson highlights how 'High Fidelity' is a witty and good-natured book that is deceptively profound. The novel's humor and depth make it a standout, with a likeable and readable narrative that keeps readers engaged. Nicholson appreciates the way Hornby weaves together humor and profound insights, making it a memorable read. The character development and the exploration of relationships are particularly noteworthy, adding layers to the story that make it more than just a lighthearted romp.

Quick quotes

    This is a witty, good-natured, occasionally very funny book.

    Nick Hornby has written a likeable, readable and deceptively profound novel.

    The humor and depth make it a standout novel.

Simone and Her Books · 2024-02-27
excellent 4.00

This book is a testament to Nick Hornby's abilities as an author, creating a character that is both relatable and compelling. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking.

The reviewer from Simone and Her Books praises 'High Fidelity' as a testament to Nick Hornby's abilities as an author. They highlight how Hornby creates a character that is both relatable and compelling, making the narrative engaging and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the character development and the way the story explores the complexities of relationships. The writing style is also noted for its brilliance, drawing readers into the main character's mindset and making the book a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Overall, this book is just a testament to Nick Hornby's abilities as an author.

    I truly applaud him for creating a character who made me want to keep reading.

    The writing style is brilliant, and the narrative is engaging and thought-provoking.

The Guardian · 1995-03-28
fantastic 4.50

High Fidelity is totally charming and laugh-out-loud funny, showcasing Hornby's terrific writing skills. The novel is both entertaining and insightful.

The Guardian reviewer highlights how 'High Fidelity' is totally charming and laugh-out-loud funny, showcasing Nick Hornby's terrific writing skills. The novel is both entertaining and insightful, with a narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The reviewer appreciates the way Hornby explores the complexities of relationships and the human condition, making the book a memorable read. The character development is particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the story and making it more than just a lighthearted romp.

Quick quotes

    But Hornby is such a terrific writer that High Fidelity is totally charming as well as being laugh-out-loud funny.

    Hornby, thankfully, doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of relationships.

    The character development is particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the story.

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