Thursday, 10 August 2023

The Ex Factor-Harini Srinivasan

Book: The Ex Factor
Author: Harini Srinivasan
Publisher: Om Books International

I was provided a Media Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Do you think love can thrive in the time of chaos?

Oindrilla Roy, also known by her friends as Oinks among several other nicknames, is having a lousy week. Cook, maid, driver, all (help) have deserted her. At work, her boss, Hawkeye, is making her life miserable. Her cousin Ankita seems to have got involved in some mess at college and needs her intervention. Her best friend Sweety Chopra is running amok with her own set of shenanigans inadvertently involving Oinks. It is then that Vivek Rao makes an unexpected entry back into her life. After years. Even before she has had time to get over the previous heartbreak. But somehow, right now, his presence does not seem to be a bad thing. Vivek is still annoying but how did that scrawny-looking thing become this hunk? One to lust for? He also seems to like her even now (maybe). Or maybe not. Nevertheless, Vivek seems to be helping her by being there. With the many issues that haunt Oinks and demand her attention, and given her penchant for saying and doing just the wrong thing at the most inappropriate time, will this renewed contact blossom into something more? Or will it simply fizzle out?

The Ex Factor is an interesting book that explores a multitude of topics. The story is told through Oinks’ perspective as she tries to balance her personal and professional life, one disaster at a time. The book is written in a first-person perspective and the language Harini has used is easy to read and comprehend. The plot is quite fast paced, and taking you from Delhi to Shillong via Kolkata is a journey you would definitely enjoy. One thing I really enjoyed were the pop culture references and how they tie into the plot beautifully. The book reads almost like a movie and it is quite easy to visualize the scenes as they happen. From the pains of a corporate employee to the travails of a daughter trying to manage a family as well as 2 canines, the emotions run deep in the book. The story will make you laugh at quite a few times with comedy of errors as they happen, especially Vivek meeting Oinks or confusion between Vivek and Viveka. The climax has been beautifully written and brings the story to a close perfectly.

The characters are crafted in detail and there are memorable quirks that Harini has built into her characters. I loved Oindrilla’s character and the strong-willed character that she is. The manner in which she handles situations one after the other is quite commendable. Another character I really liked was that of Oindrilla’s mother. With her ruckus and creating storms in Oinks’ life, we can all see a bit of our parents in her.

Overall, the book is a wonderful read for anyone looking to unwind and have a good time. The book scores a 4.69/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon India or your nearest bookstore.

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