Fever Pitch

By: Anthony Mariano

"Fever Pitch" is a critically acclaimed novel by English writer Nick Hornby. In 1968, Nick started to attend games with his father, cheering on the Arsenal Football Club. The purpose of attending these games was for Nick to bond with his father. During these games, however, Nick started to become obsessed not only with the team, he became more obsessed with the sport itself. Nick's obsession with the sport not only affected his life with family and friends, it also affected his job as a writer. As the novel goes on, Nick struggles as a writer as he cannot live without football. In the end, his obsession calms down and attends less games and focuses more on his writing.

Throughout the novel, there are two main themes from the novel: the love of the game and the sudden change of class. Ever since he was eleven years old, Nick loved the game of football as soon as he started to attend games. Ever since his first game, his love of the game has become a lifelong addiction in the duration of the novel. When Nick started to go to games, the games were mainly attended by the working class. Up until the end, the games were now filled with people from the upper class. Nick's obsession with the game has become the motif of the novel, as it began to take toll on the people that cared and loved, as well as his job. The dialogue is convincing throughout the plot, as every chapter talks about every game Nick attends. Also, it gives an insight on Nick's growing obsession on the game, which makes novel convincing to read.

There were some passages that were powerful in the novel. The opening line of the novel basically set the entire tone and mood of the novel. "I fell in love with football as I was, to later to fall in love with women: suddenly, inexplicably, uncritically, giving no though to the pair or disruption it would bring with it." (p. 7) Not only sets the tone and mood, but also tells what to expect to Nick later in the novel. Hornby also gives in depth look on what is going through his mind as a football fan. "One thing I know for sure about being a fan is this: it is not a vicarious pleasure, despite all appearances to the contrary, and those who say that they would rather do than watch are missing the point." (p. 178) The readers think that Hornby has lost his mind when watching football. However, from Hornby's point of view, he is trying to explain what is on his mind as the games get more intense than ever. The final quote that seemed appealing was how Hornby's addiction to football just gets worse. "As I get older, the tyranny that football exerts over my life, and therefore over the lives of people around me, and less attractive." (p. 205) This quote seemed the most convincing because it explains how the game just completely takes over Hornby's life. This novel would be recommended not only for sports fans, but also for people who enjoy a good laugh, as well.