THE BURNOUT

Bessie Carter's crisp, energetic performance enlivens bestselling author Sophie Kinsella's newest rom-com. Kinsella takes on the serious topic of corporate burnout as Sasha, fed up with overwork and understaffing, runs away from her job--straight into a brick wall. She heads to the Devon seaside, site of happy childhood memories, seeking off-season solitude. Instead, she is confronted by a grumpy, handsome fellow corporate escapee. Carter's brisk pace is a good vehicle for this story, which is a bit too long and convoluted. Her clear timbre suits the main characters, and she manages a variety of accents and ages well. It's occasionally difficult to know who is speaking, but overall this is an engaging lighthearted escape. S.G. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2023]