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

My first review!!

I had to review this book because it left me smiling but sad it was over! I literally laughed out loud and loved every character! Is it predictable? Yes, but that didn’t matter because it was so fun and enjoyable! Amazing narrater!

I loved everything about it!

I enjoyed the story, all the secondary characters were wonderful, and the narrator did a great job!

Sophie pulled me through again

A good story is the best medicine and a great story is as good as a cure. Thank you, Sophie.

Loved it!!

I absolutely loved this book!!! I didn't want it to end!
I'm probably going to listen to it again!

Love it all

Overall, performance, story, excellence. Love Sophie & all of her books. She always makes me laugh, cry & overall feel good.

Loved it!

Wonderful story! The characters were great— very lovable! The narrator was fantastic! I didn’t want it to end!Highly recommend!

Oh my goodness!

One of the best stories we have ever listened to! Must read!!! Romance and good feelings!! Listen with your wife or significant other, it will take you to a calm loving place!! we all need to spend some time away so we don't burn out and forget to "enjoy the ride"!!

Very relatable

Relatable. Funny. Well performed. Another knock out from one of my favs. Well done SK

I Loved This

If you want something nice and fun to listen to, this is it. The narration is great and the story is really cute and uplifting. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Awesome book!

I loved this one! Loved the narrator and the story. Romance combined with absurdity of office life combined with a really great narrator. Parts were hilarious and other parts were so sweet.