The Burnout

A Novel

By: Sophie Kinsella

Narrated by: Bessie Carter

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Sparks fly in this delightful novel about two burned out professionals who meet at a ramshackle resort on the British seaside—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Party Crasher.

“I devoured The Burnout in one greedy gulp. It’s funny, sad, relatable, and brilliantly done. Sophie Kinsella is the queen of romantic comedy.”—Jojo Moyes

She can do anything . . . just not everything.

Sasha has had it. She cannot bring herself to respond to another inane, “urgent” (but obviously not at all urgent) email or participate in the corporate employee joyfulness program. She hasn’t seen her friends in months. Sex? Seems like a lot of effort. Even cooking dinner takes far too much planning. Sasha has hit a wall.

Armed with good intentions to drink kale smoothies, try yoga, and find peace, she heads to the seaside resort she loved as a child. But it’s the off season, the hotel is in a dilapidated shambles, and she has to share the beach with the only other occupant: a grumpy guy named Finn, who seems as stressed as Sasha. How can she commune with nature when he’s sitting on her favorite rock, watching her? Nor can they agree on how best to alleviate their burnout (Sasha: manifesting, wild swimming; Finn: drinking whisky, getting pizza delivered to the beach).

When curious messages, seemingly addressed to Sasha and Finn, begin to appear on the beach, the two are forced to talk—about everything. How did they get so burned out? Can either of them remember something they used to love? (Answer: surfing!) And the question they try and fail to ignore: what does the energy between them—flaring even in the face of their bone-deep exhaustion—signify?

©2023 Sophie Kinsella (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“I devoured The Burnout in one greedy gulp. It’s funny, sad, relatable, and brilliantly done. Sophie Kinsella is the queen of romantic comedy.”—Jojo Moyes, bestselling author of Someone Else’s Shoes

“I’ll drop anything for a new Sophie Kinsella. The Burnout is hilarious, sparky and joyful—just the book you need if you’re desperate for a break. I loved seeing Sasha coming back to herself on the windswept beach at Rilston!”—Beth O'Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare

“Kinsella’s long career in the rom-com is indicative of the kind of stories she truly wants to put out into the world: those that feature people like you . . . flawed heroines who make the best out of the wild and wacky journeys we all go through—at work, with our families, in love and in life.”—Bustle

Wonderful Reader - Engaging Story - Modest

I love this reader. She puts so much life into the story! I also appreciate that the story was well developed beyond the growing relationship between the main characters. Lastly, I don’t like romance novels with graphic descriptions of the character sex scenes - for me, there is something about getting to know the characters really well and then not feeling comfortable being “present” for their private love making. Not sure if there are others who feel this way too! This story leads you to that scene, but cuts off when it’s obvious what will happen next.

All in all this was an engaging story (the burn out totally relatable) and an easy listen. Looking forward to exploring the author’s other novels.

An easy entertaining read

I loved how the real world problem of work stress is shown in this book. and that everyone goes a little crazy once in awhile. I liked the characters and the flow of the story, but towards the end it gets a little too cutesy, too much like a Hallmark movie. But I did listen to all of it. Summer beach read material.

Loved it!

I am an avid reader, and this is one of my favorite books. The narrator is amazing! She makes it seem as though it’s real life and not just narrating a book. I enjoyed it so much I think I’ll listen to it again.

Loved it!

Loved this story, and the narrator! Loved her accent! I like the author too. I want to read more by this author.

Just meh

It’s fine. Easy read and sometimes funny. But the storyline was dull and the chemistry lacking. Forgettable.

Funny and sweet. Loved it!!

This was a great book. Sophie Kinsella is wonderful at writing stories that are relatable, and funny, and a he did it again with this book.

A fun read

I love sophie Kinsella's books...and this was fun to listen to. But not as hilarious or engaging as some of the others. Still worth a listen! And the narrator does a fine job.

Feel Good Kinsella :-)

I love Sophie Kinsella. Her characters are relatable and her stories make you feel good and provide some laughs. This book is the same! I really enjoyed it :-)

Exactly what I needed!

The narrator is charming and expressionate!

The story is laugh out loud funny and filled with quirky and memorable characters. Even though it’s a comedy, I found lovely life lessons that I carry daily now!

Well written and extremely entertaining!

Loved it

A story so relatable yet touching and uplifting, with hilarious bits that made me laugh out loud.