A review by farmerzonly
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

adventurous funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

filled with quippy one-liners that are equally self-deprecating and self-absorbed, rob is the picture of an emotionally immature man who is obsessed with his own taste in media and believes he understands women and romance deeply as a result of this despite his lack of success in the past. he uses music, film, and literature references to illustrate his supposedly complex perspective, yet often demonstrates a bare-bones surface level understanding of their themes and throws out references carelessly (reminiscent of the satire on white masculinity present in american psycho and fight club). he is ultimately redeemed by his choice to commit to laura, demonstrating narrative self-actualization by realizing his fears of commitment, abandonment, and death, yet it feels like a hollow victory. themes of expanding one’s social circle with maturity, the specter of pop culture, and unreliable narration are present throughout.
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