Sometimes you can tell a book is going to be awesome by a couple of different things; the synopsis is one of them, sometimes the cover, and most of the time it has to do with the author. I’ve have not read anything by this author yet (I don’t know how that has happened!), but I have seen her works and was excited to check out this upcoming title.
I have to say, I have so much love for this book! It is decidedly unique and offers a beautiful balance between stress and romance, if you can believe that. Continue on for my review.
The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
Publisher: The Dial Press (October 10, 2023)
ISBN-13: 978-0593730393
Synopsis:
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?
The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella Review
We all understand stress, especially workplace stress. The ability to just run away sometimes is a necessity when you know you need that healing to take place in your soul.
I think we all are going to be able to identify with the main character in this story. The lovely part is when she runs to a place from her past where she has wonderful memories. The journey to get to her last happy place is a humorous, crazy adventure with a great twist in the story.
Trying to get away from it all doesn’t always mean we can bury our heads in the sand like we want to. Most of the time reality is looming there with some weird events, wacky hotel employees, and strange accommodations.
There is frustration that you can’t do or get what you want, and even your crazy mother, who pretends to be your assistant, calls to order you disgusting smoothies every day. What’s not to love about that? And then to top it off, there’s another grumpy stressed-out guy disturbing your peace.
Kinsella slays it with her cranky conversations and growing interest between the two. I seriously could not stop reading this!
The story is a fun and wonderful journey into trying to escape reality yet finding your future. A story of finding your happiness and taking yet once more chance. A story of finding balance in a crazy stressful world.
With glorious depictions of nature, strong imagery of the past, and growing feelings of friendship and love, The Burnout is a fun ride of an escape that becomes a saving grace.
4 Fabulous STARS!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.