One in a Million - Book Review

One in a Million

By Harshita Srivastava

Review By Ila Garg

One in a Million, attracted me for more than one reason. Firstly, the title, ‘One in a Million’ has a jingle which makes you feel connected at once. Secondly, the concept of the cover is so real and unique. It’s a big turn on and you know that yes this is a good book.

‘One in a Million’ is a journey; a search of a girl to find her special love, her true love that provides her solace and gives stability to her life. In the course of the novel, Priyanka, the protagonist transforms from a young girl to a woman as she suffers, and bears all the hardships of life. The way Harshita Srivastava has penned down this particular story is really appreciable. The author has described every emotion very beautifully. There are episodes in the book that make you feel so emotional and you just can’t help but cry with the protagonist.

Another thing that I loved about this book is the poetry in between the narration. All the poems are so well written and define all the pain and sorrow of a tender heart that has been brutally hurt. Brutal is a bold word, but no other word would be able to clearly state the condition of the protagonist’s heart. 

Rain plays an important part in Priyanka’s life as the story of her love life begins from rains. Love happens to bump into her life during the monsoon season and ironically it disappears with the rain too. Harshita has skillfully used this element to create such a beautiful story of love. 

The narrative is tactfully written and the readers wouldn’t find it difficult to keep up with the pace of the story. The language is easy to comprehend and there would be no difficulty in understanding the various twists and turns in the novel. 

The 196 page book takes you along with it and makes you vividly see all the events taking place in front of you. The story is quite meaningful and the main reason that I loved this book is the sheer realism used in it. There is no make belief episode written. Every word sounds real and is easy to digest, which means no usual melodrama!

Initially the book is in a flashback where Priyanka falls in love with Shashank while they were still in school. Later on as the story progresses, she gets involved with Shashank’s best friend, who had by that time became her best friend too, Vishal; only because Vishal has feelings for her. Soon enough as she starts to feel comfortable with him, he too dumps her like Shashank. Now she is left alone to cry and move on. At this point, she feels that there is no love meant for her until she meets Shashank Mittal on Facebook. On the first place, she accepts his friend request mainly because he shares his name with her first love but with time he becomes a great friend and soon proposes her. But here Harshita again uses her intelligence of a writer, and adds a hurdle. The problem is Shashank already has a girlfriend and he seems to be in love with two girls at the same time. What will Priyanka do? Will she accept him or not? Will she ever get her ‘one in a million’?

The back cover of the book says, ‘Love it or hate it, you have to accept the fact that the world revolves around the four-letter word…LOVE.’ It is also one of the main reasons why the readers will feel engaged with the book to see if Priyanka finally gets her destination or not. 

The too many complexities of Priyanka’s love life is just one of the reasons you want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens in One in a Million. To find out whether she survives the turmoil of love and after losing her love twice, will she be lucky at the third time, why does love always bumps into her in bizzare situations when she is least expecting it, how effective are long distance relationships and what’s up with the whole concept of online dating, can love be found on social networking sites, is dating your ex’s best friend justified or a certain no-no, how successful are love at first sights, does being the other woman in a relationship actually matter; you will have to read the novel, One in a Million.

The author Harshita Srivastava chose an interesting story lines and dealt with all the complexities of love in a composed manner. I recommend this book to all those who have ever faced dilemmas in their love life, people who are in long distance relationships, and to those who have lost faith in the power and existence of love. Hope and Faith are two very important tools to live a life deprived of love. These two tools help you till you get your love and even after.

No matter how many heartbreaks you may have in your life, always believe that God has definitely made that ‘one in a million’ for you whom you will find one day. It may take some time and patience, but it would be worth it. 

For a debut writer, Harshita has done it; she has proved her mettle and yes she is an excellent writer. The way she has captured all the intricate emotions of a dejected heart, kept me glued to this book till the end. Kudos girl, Way to go!

Ratings: 4/5