Cricket, advertising world and India. Club them together and you have total chaos in hand. The Zoya factor is one book which blends all three beautifully; a tale which makes you guffaw at the protagonist's slap-stick humor, grin stupidly whenever the other lead, the erstwhile captain of the Indian team, Nikhil Khoda comes into picture, and experience the same highs and lows that form a part of Zoya Solanki's life.You need not be a cricket fan to like this book, nor be in the know-how about the advertising world. The author portrays everything in such a manner that you walk hand in hand with it as the story progresses.Watch out for a tale of cricket, cricketers, superstitions and more so Indian-ness (something which you shall understand better once you read this book. Towards the end, you shall be rooting and cheering for many things.This is a book that I have already read thrice and will be coming back for more.P.S. The author seems to be a closet fan of M.S. Dhoni, the current captain of the Indian Cricket Team; the references to his various attributes are unmistakable. Why are all Chick Lits a rehash of Pride and Prejudice??I have read all three books of Anuja Chauhan and all are rewriting of PnP although in a different setting each time - Battle of Bitora - Politics and politiciansPricey Thakore Girls - News and journalistsZoya Factor - Cricket and AdvertisingThe protagonists as in Mr Darcy and Ms Bennett are the same as Khoda, the Indian cricket captain (which seems very similar to Mr Dhoni) and Zoya the budding advertising exec (sort of like Ms Anuja's younger self). Everyone knows the happy ending any ways - the arrogant but handsome Mr Darcy, who could get any girl, eventually declares his head over heels love for the clumsy and confused Ms Bennett who has very low self esteem. The plot centres around the lucky mascot for India's biggest obsession Cricket, tagged to winning THE World Cup further combined with religion and Bollywood (the other two obsessions). Anuja further adds in a few jingles and rhymes from her advertising days, plus more masala with Delhi (Karol bagh) style humour and lifestyle, and there you have a full funny chick lit which will make you laugh as well feel romantic and all. What more can a girl ask for! For me it was a paisa vasool book the way a Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan film is for the Bollywood audience. It's a no brainer but then none of the chiclits or masala films are. No wonder this is being made into a film. Anyways enjoy the read and have a good laugh!! That's it!!
What do You think about The Zoya Factor (2000)?
It was good but not great...When I compared it with other two from Chauhan..I don't like it...
—stassibean
Howlarious, entertaining and a must read when you're in the need for a laugh or two ... :)
—isaiahpariseau
