The Ex- Factor | Book Review

 Review of Harini Srinivasan’s book – The Ex-factor

• Title -The Ex-Factor
• Author – Harini Srinivasan
• Year published – 30th June, 2023
• Pages - 200
• Genre – New-age Romcom
• Format - Paperback
• Buy the book on Amazon

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?

 

This contemporary romcom immerses readers into the life of Oindrilla Roy, affectionately known as Oinks among her friends. Oinks ori ginates from a vibrant Bengali household, where the antics never cease. Her parents' roles as civil servants do little to maintain order, as even the Bengali maid and cook find it challenging to endure the constant whirlwind of activity. Amid this tumultuous environment, the presence of their two pet dogs, adored and coddled like infants, contributes further to the delightful chaos of daily life.

Within the walls of her workplace, life continues its forward march. Oinks is supported by her closest friends, Sweety and Tejas, who provide a steady supply of gossip. Meanwhile, her boss Rahul ensures her attention is always directed toward impending deadlines.

However, a professional assignment sends Oinks to the serene locale of Shillong, offering her a respite from the cacophony of her home life. Yet, as fate would have it, her world takes an unexpected turn upon encountering her ex - Vivek Rao. The narrative delves into the intricacies of how Oinks navigates and orchestrates this unforeseen reunion, and it is this journey that propels the rest of the tale forward.

The author adeptly guides us through Oindrilla’s realm, where friendship, love, familial bonds and workplace dynamics intertwine seamlessly. The various cities she traverses come to life on the pages, woven into the narrative with a touch of humor that consistently elicits smiles.

Emotions run high, and the dialogues resonate in many places, allowing readers to connect with the characters and even find themselves chuckling or nodding in understanding. The story introduces a colorful cast, each grappling with their own experiences of joy, sorrow, and turmoil. Oindrilla's character is painted as the embodiment of an independent woman, adeptly handling any challenge, a portrayal that remains consistent throughout.

The infusion of Hindi words serves as a delightful enrichment to the narrative, although its impact might not be fully appreciated by non-Hindi speakers. However, the detailed descriptions in certain passages tend to slightly dilute the pacing, and an excess of explicit language and profanity disrupt the overall flow of the narrative.

To conclude, if you're looking for a light-hearted read and possess an affinity for a new-age romcom, this book is worth considering for your reading list. This was a 3.5 star read for me.

Harini Srinivasan is the author of a historical detective novel, The Curse of Anuganga, the novellas Ek Confusing Love Story and Death at Arcade Emporia, a children’s book, The Wizard Tales: Adventures of Bun-Bun, and several short stories. A former civil servant, she is an editor and a content management professional by day, and an author by night. She can be found multitasking most of the time. An aficionado of old Hindi cinema, she lives in Gurugram with her family.

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