Really Good Actually is the debut novel by Canadian writer Monica Heisey, published in 2023.
Monica Heisey was a screenwriter for Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms and Really Good Actually is her first fiction novel.
I love Schitt’s Creek, it’s one of my favourite shows. It has so much warmth and humour and I loved the inclusive feel to the whole show. I was therefore so excited to read Really Good Actually.
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Plot
Maggie is struggling financially, has an unfulfilling career and a that marriage lasted just 608 days. Facing being a young divorcee is not what Maggie expected at 29 years old. But Maggie is fine. Really good, actually.
At least that’s what she tells everyone. With the support of her tough-loving academic advisor, Merris; her newly divorced friend, Amy; and the friends in her group chat, Maggie tries to navigate through her first year of single life.
Really Good Actually Book Review
I really enjoyed this book. Monica Heisey’s voice felt fresh and real, and I enjoyed the humour as well as the more poignant moments.
There’s so many books that are described as ‘hilarious’ yet so few who actually live up to that accolade. Really Good Actually is the first book in a long time that literally made me laugh out loud. I actually guffawed during a small section about Harry Styles!
Maggie felt so real and authentic. She was such a chaotic character. She often lost sight of reality, had a complete lack of self awareness and always seemed to be looking for somebody to blame. However, though her behaviour made me cringe at times, it also made me empathise with her. We all have flaws, especially when we’re heartbroken.
The story was witty but also achingly sad in places. The story isn’t all quips and light-hearted banter. It explores body issues, low self confidence and sexual identity. Maggie felt that she wasn’t just losing someone she loved, she was also losing her identity and the hopes and dreams she had for herself. I particularly enjoyed how the author explored that sense of loss.
With the google searches, mentions of tv shows and other cultural references, the author expertly captures the zeitgeist. The whole story feels so current and modern. I read a lot of historical fiction so it felt really refreshing to read a book that felt so ‘now’.
This isn’t a story with a fast moving plot. In fact, very little happens. This is Maggie’s journey as she learns to move on from her marriage. In some regards it reminded me of Taylor Jenkins Reid‘s earlier works, particularly After I Do. I really enjoy stories like this, where they’re more character driven and focused on friendships, family and relationships.
Overall, I really enjoyed Really Good Actually and I was so pleased it lived up to the hype. I’m excited to read whatever Monica Heisey writes next.
What to read next
If you enjoyed Really Good Actually, I would also recommend Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld as I feel the authors have a similar writing style.