Really Good, Actually: A Novel

The futon in Really Good, Actually functions as a powerful symbol that represents various aspects of Maggie's life and emotional state. Through its presence and the events surrounding it, the futon serves as a vehicle for exploring themes of loss, loneliness, and the challenges of rebuilding one's life after divorce. The delayed delivery of the futon on Christmas Eve disrupts Maggie's plans to return home, highlighting the fact that unexpected obstacles often derail her attempts to move forward. This initial setback symbolizes the disruptions and frustrations that Maggie faces as she navigates the aftermath of her divorce, illustrating how external circumstances can complicate her efforts to find stability and comfort in her new reality.

Secondly, the act of assembling the futon becomes a metaphor for Maggie's attempts to piece together her shattered life. When she attempts to assemble the futon alone, she is immediately confronted with the instructions recommending two-person assembly. This moment underscores Maggie's feelings of loneliness and isolation, emphasizing the challenges she faces in rebuilding her life alone. The futon's unassembled state also mirrors Maggie's own fragmented sense of self as she struggles to make sense of her identity and move forward without