AFTER THE BURN

In Garrett’s novel, a Black woman in her 40s comes into her own both personally and professionally.

Forty-four-year-old Elle Rollins is facing crossroads, both in her personal and work life. Her successful career in sales at Eaton Global Technology Group is being threatened by the questionable actions of her new boss, Nasim Ranjan. Darien, her lover, has been increasingly remote since his wife returned to Chicago, causing Elle to feel like his mistress for the first time in their intense 10-year relationship. Facing these predicaments, Elle reassesses her goals and needs. Her best friend Berns and longtime pal and colleague Jade are supportive as she sorts through the arcs of her relationship with Darien, her previous relationship with her ex-husband and co-parent Olivier, and a nascent connection with Kinte, a young fitness entrepreneur who is “bold enough to navigate his own path; taking what he needed from working for the man and using it to free himself.” Jade sounds a warning about the depth of Ranjan’s treachery, leading Elle to confront all of the unwarranted slights she’s received throughout her career at EGT and question her long-term professional aspirations. Reaching out to her mentor Liam, a retired EGT executive, and Kelly, a PR whiz, Elle charts a course to get to what is rightfully hers. (“She’d stand her ground, unwavering, and speak her piece — loudly, if need be.”) Debut author Garrett shows a depth of knowledge regarding all aspects of Elle’s life; details of her sales expertise are spot-on, displaying a thorough understanding of everything from the nuts-and-bolts of the accounts and products to strategies for making the negotiation room as physically advantageous as possible. Readers familiar with Chicago and Evanston will recognize dining spots like Hecky’s and Everest, and resonate with descriptions of perfect midwestern days: “The sun was riding high in the western sky, the breeze blew just right and the city was dynamic and alive.” The dialogue is snappy and rings true, whether between good friends over brunch, couples breaking up, or exes who have forged a companionable parenting relationship.

A satisfying read about finding fulfillment in career and love.