The Burnout

A Novel

By: Sophie Kinsella

Narrated by: Bessie Carter

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?

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

“Uplifting and full of laugh-out-loud moments! I loved it!”—Heidi Swain, author of The Book-Lovers’ Retreat

“Such a hilarious, joyous, life-affirming book—I never wanted it to end.”—Jenny Colgan, author of The Bookshop on the Corner


Praise for the work of Sophie Kinsella

“I love the opportunity to escape with a Sophie Kinsella book.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult

“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

“Kinsella has a genuine gift for comic writing.”—The Boston Globe

“A light and easy read . . . perfect for a summer day. The relationship’s growth and the novel’s nostalgic small-town vibe recall Emily Henry’s Book Lovers.”—Library Journal

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.

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.

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.

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.

Just meh

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