Really Good, Actually

by Monica Heisey
Really Good, Actually cover
Good Books rating 2.62
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 395
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • Formats: 35
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-25
average 3.50

Really Good, Actually is a fun, quick read with a strong, witty voice and a self-centered, neurotic protagonist. However, the plot feels thin and unoriginal, making it just an average read.

Really Good, Actually is a light-hearted novel that had me laughing and cringing in equal measure. The main character, Maggie, is a self-centered, neurotic woman in her late twenties dealing with divorce. Her voice is strong and witty, making her an entertaining, albeit unlikeable, protagonist. The book captures the chaos of a millennial mid-life crisis well, but it feels like a series of random events rather than a cohesive story. The plot lacks depth and originality, making it feel tired and predictable. Despite its flaws, it's a quick and enjoyable read perfect for a holiday.

Quick quotes

    The voice of the main character is very strong, with witty asides and sarcastic references that make you laugh out loud.

    Maggie is an absolute nightmare but that’s the point of her character — she’s a woman spiralling and it’s fascinating to watch the depths she’ll sink to.

    Over the last five years, there have been so many published books about messy millennial women so the genre can feel a bit tired.

aminasbookshelf.com · Unknown · 2024-01-05
disappointing 1.00

The reviewer found the book to be a miserable indulgence in sad feelings with no plot, likable characters, or self-growth. While the writing had some flair, it often felt oppressive and overdone.

The reviewer was not a fan of this book, finding it to be a long, dreary exploration of a character's sad thoughts and self-destructive choices. There was no plot to speak of, and the characters were not particularly likable or relatable. The writing did have some moments of flair, but it often felt overdone and oppressive. The reviewer did not enjoy the reading experience and found the character's misaligned thoughts and actions to be delusional. Overall, they were glad to finish the book and would not recommend it.

Quick quotes

    I’m so glad this is over.

    There’s no plot, just a lot of miserable indulgence in sad feelings for about 87% of the time.

    I guess this could be called a character study, or maybe similar to a stream of consciousness in a way, because all we hear are her thoughts on everything (“everything” at this point largely being her divorce) and seeing the way her thoughts and actions are incredibly misaligned and she’s deluding herself in many ways.

marieclaire.com · Unknown · 2023-03-01
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer found the book to be repetitive and lacking depth, feeling it was more suited to short essays than a novel. They criticized the self-pitying tone and clichéd elements, though they acknowledged some good material.

The reviewer felt that 'Really Good, Actually' had some promising material but ultimately fell short as a novel. They found the conversational style reminiscent of stand-up comedy, which they felt was more suited to short essays. The reviewer criticized the book for being repetitive, whiny, and narcissistic, with a tone that felt self-pitying and clichéd. They appreciated some of the insights into divorce and personal growth but found the overall execution lacking. The book's humor and wit were noted, but the reviewer felt it could have benefited from more direct emotion and less reliance on self-deprecating humor.

Quick quotes

    There's some good material here but it doesn't really add up to a novel.

    Without much pull-through this starts to feel repetitive, whiny and narcissistic.

    I suspect the material would have worked better in short essay-style pieces: as a novel this feels laboured and lacks dynamic forward movement.

mybookjoy.com · Unknown · 2023-02-08
engaging 4.00

Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey is a sharp and witty novel that explores the complexities of modern relationships and self-discovery. The protagonist's journey is both relatable and hilarious, making it a standout read.

Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey is a refreshing take on contemporary fiction. The novel delves into the intricacies of modern relationships, particularly focusing on the protagonist's post-divorce life. The humor is sharp and the characters are well-developed, making it an engaging read. The book's exploration of self-discovery and personal growth is both relatable and insightful. While some plot points might feel thin, the overall narrative is compelling and keeps the reader hooked. The author's writing style is witty and engaging, making it a delightful read for those who enjoy contemporary fiction with a humorous twist.

Quick quotes

    The protagonist's journey is both relatable and hilarious.

    The book's exploration of self-discovery and personal growth is both relatable and insightful.

    The author's writing style is witty and engaging.

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