Book Review: ‘The Burnout’ by Sophie Kinsella – A Humorous Journey to Mental Health

‘The Burnout’ takes readers on a humorous journey back to childhood memories while exploring the theme of mental health with charm and wit. I loved it!

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From The Publisher:

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 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 ( manifesting, wild swimming; 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?

My Thoughts:

“The Burnout” is a feel-good book that resonates with the importance of caring for one’s mental health. It beautifully illustrates how burnout affects the whole person and explores the healing power of nature, friendship, and self-discovery.

Sasha’s connection to the rundown beach hotel, where she spent summers with her family before her father’s passing, adds a poignant layer to the narrative. It’s a place filled with memories, nostalgia, and a desire to recapture lost happiness. When her mother takes on the role of her personal assistant to ensure Sasha gets only healthy food items, it leads to hilarious concoctions and entertaining conversations with the hotel staff. These moments provide comic relief and add depth to the story.

As Sasha navigates her burnout, she crosses paths with Finn, a fellow sufferer. Finn’s own history of summers at the beach ties their stories together. Their growing connection and shared journey toward better mental health form the emotional core of the novel.

The quirky and lovable hotel staff add charm and warmth to the story, making you wish you could meet them in real life. As a reader, you’ll find it hard to say goodbye to these endearing characters.

In a world where burnout is all too common, “The Burnout” is a reminder of the importance of self-care and the possibility of finding joy even in the midst of exhaustion. Kinsella’s storytelling is both heartwarming and humorous, making it a book you won’t want to end. The journey of Sasha and Finn toward better mental health is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, leaving you with a sense of hope and happiness.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed by Sophie Kinsella:

The Party Crasher

Love Your Life

Christmas Shopaholic