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The Burnout: A Novel

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?

Author

Sophie Kinsella

 

Litlinks Review

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella is a delightful and heartfelt rom-com that explores the themes of exhaustion, rediscovery, and connection. The novel follows Sasha, a woman at her wit’s end due to workplace stress, who escapes to a seaside resort to recharge. There, she meets Finn, another burnt-out soul, and their initial prickly relationship evolves amidst humorous and poignant moments.

Kinsella masterfully balances laugh-out-loud humor with emotional depth. The romance between Sasha and Finn is a slow burn, featuring witty banter and genuine chemistry, enhanced by their shared journey of overcoming personal struggles. The charming setting of a dilapidated hotel and the quirky staff add layers of warmth and comic relief to the story. While some readers found the protagonist’s raunchy personality unexpected, others appreciated the realistic portrayal of someone grappling with modern pressures.

With its grumpy-meets-sunshine romance and uplifting narrative, the book provides both escapism and relatability. It’s a perfect pick for Kinsella fans and newcomers looking for a lighthearted yet meaningful read.

 

Country of Origin

Canada

Available Formats

audio book, ebook, hard cover, paperback