Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey offers a refreshingly funny yet heartfelt take on life after a young divorce. Maggie, a 29-year-old Canadian, finds herself trying to rebuild her life after her marriage ends, just as her friends are beginning to settle down. The humor in the book shines through Maggie’s dry, self-aware narrative, making her struggles with dating, late-night internet spirals, and emotional turmoil oddly relatable.

Heisey, known for her work in comedy writing, brings a sharp wit and insight into modern relationships, especially the messy process of starting over. The novel isn’t just about divorce—it’s about friendship, self-discovery, and figuring out how to move forward when life doesn’t go according to plan. Maggie’s journey is chaotic, funny, and deeply real, making this debut a standout. If you're into stories that balance humor and heart, this one’s a must-read.

I had high hopes for this knowing who the writer was, but it fell a bit flat for me. I’m not sure if I just didn’t click with the humour or connect with the characters.

This book should be called. Sort Of, Okay. Maggie is a woman with no real problems who spirals completely out of control when her marriage breaks down.

A great read with a cracking central character. Schitt's creek writer Monica was always going to be funny and I can't wait to read more of what she writes.

This is a funny and emotional read about a 29-year old woman who is going through a divorce from her husband who was also her college sweetheart. She struggles to find herself and reflects on the nature of dating.
This isn’t a plot driven read. It’s more character driven and a quiet read. At times it felt quite memoir-like reminiscent of Joan Didion. There are done beautiful passages in here that felt essay-like and I wished it was a collection. While I did enjoy this, I also felt it waffles on at times and I wished there was a better structure E.g. sections marked with a title that organised the writing. At times the writing did get repetitive. That being said this is very easy to put down and pick up, and I quite enjoyed reading this in chunks rather swallowing it in one go.

I always start a book with excitement and positivity on the basis that the story will make me either laugh, cry, sympathetic, empathetic and fully immersed in it. I was hopeful that I would experience all of these with Really Good, Actually, but I was left somewhat disappointed and depressed. This particular book wasn't for me I'm afraid because when I read, I'm mentally living vicariously through the character's eyes and this story wasn't relatable for me so it didn't keep me engaged throughout sadly. Please don't let this review put future readers off, it just wasn't my thing.

When I saw one of Schitts Creek writers was onto this book, I knew I was in for a treat. Funny, relatable, very millennial and full of anecdotes and clever quirky humour that will make you want to move to Toronto and sign up for free trials to varied activities in order to find yourself in the process.

In Monica Heisey's debut novel, "Really Good, Actually," readers are introduced to Maggie, a twenty-nine-year-old woman whose marriage has abruptly ended after just 608 days. Despite the challenges she faces, Maggie is determined to embrace her new status as a Surprisingly Young Divorcee and navigate the uncertainties of modern love, friendship, and happiness.

Heisey's writing style is witty and engaging, capturing the essence of Maggie's journey with a refreshing and relatable voice. The author skillfully explores the complexities of relationships and the societal pressures surrounding marriage. Through Maggie's experiences, readers are prompted to question the institution of marriage itself and the expectations placed upon individuals to conform to societal norms.

One of the strengths of "Really Good, Actually" is its exploration of self-discovery and personal growth. As Maggie navigates her first year of divorce, she is forced to confront her own insecurities and reevaluate her priorities. Heisey portrays this journey with authenticity and humor, allowing readers to empathize with Maggie's struggles and cheer for her triumphs.

The novel also delves into themes of friendship and the importance of a support system during challenging times. Maggie's relationships with her friends provide a source of comfort and strength, highlighting the power of connection and the role it plays in navigating life's ups and downs.

Heisey's portrayal of modern love is refreshingly honest and nuanced. She explores the complexities of relationships in the digital age, where dating apps and social media can both connect and complicate matters. Through Maggie's experiences, the author offers insights into the challenges and uncertainties that arise when searching for love and happiness in a rapidly changing world.

Read a physical proof while it was our Waterstones BOTM - a great choice, we all loved it & I’ve been enjoying recommending it :)

Sharp, witty, funny tale of a woman dealing with a divorce in her twenties. The humour was my favourite part and really shines through

I did not really enjoy this book which is primarily a story about an amicable divorce, well maybe, but not from the the lady’s perspective. Rather depressing overall not something that interests me. I wouldn’t buy this book . There’s not a lot else I can say. Unfortunate title as well.

“It was a weird one” - my response to a friend asking what I thought of this book. I am not sure what to think of it… it was an enjoyable ish read, depressing with dark humour and frustrating at times.

If you like self-deprecating humour and reading a monologue about life going through a breakup and breakdown, then I would totally recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley, and 4th Estate, Fourth Estate for this book and the opportunity to review it.

Funny, smart, relatable - I wouldn't expect anything less from Monica. LOVED. IT. And will certainly be looking out for more from Monica in the future. Her writing is just divine, and I couldn't put it down.

I actually enjoyed this so much more than I expected! It's not really my genre or type of book but it was effortlessly funny, touching and had some real relatable vulnerable moments. I liked that the protagonist was actually very unlikeable and flawed at many points during the book, rather than just being one-dimensional in her heartbreak. It is definitely a great comfort read for anyone who has experienced a long term relationship breakup and felt a bit lost and unhinged in the moments following!

Really good, actually follows Maggie after her and her husband have decided to divorce. The ups, downs and everything in between!

A Massive Thank You to the Author, the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book prior to its release date.

Thank you for sending me an ARC of this book to review.

I’m struggling to articulate why I didn’t like this book, but I just didn’t. I felt no urge to finish it, I had no motivation to pick it up and really struggled to get through it.

I enjoyed the first chapter and thought I would enjoy it but I just couldn’t enjoy it.

An enjoyable read, with a different approach to similar books; a funny and witty approach to life after a divorce. Engaging writing and wonderful storytelling.

This book was 'Really Good, Actually' - okay enough of the word-play, I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was heart warming, bittersweet and engaging. Excellent writing and story telling. Really impressed.

A marriage fizzles out

I found it hard to properly commit to this, so it took me longer to read than expected. Nothing of note happens, and it takes a well documented year for nothing to happen. A few hiccups, falling out with friends then regaining them, a brief fling, some disastrous financial decisions. It’s just a story about an average marriage that ends, focusing on all the emotional problems the wife suffers with. There are tears and laughs, but not of the unexpected laugh out loud type. There is no HEA, but you get the feeling she will somehow, someday still achieve one. There’s probably something in here we’ve all done at some time, hopefully NOT all of them!