By Erica Wiggins
Content warning: child abuse, sexual assault, kidnapping, suicide, death of a parent
In Strange Sally Diamond, we meet Sally, a recluse who creates outrage and media attention when she tries to incinerate her dead father. This act brings police officers, family, and new friends to her doorstop, along with some connections from her past. As Sally tries to step out of her comfort zone, she learns that people don’t always mean what they say, and the truth of her horrific childhood is about to come to the surface. Strange Sally Diamond is the fifth crime novel from Irish novelist Liz Nugent.
I must admit, I wasn’t sure about this story. In fact, I thought it seemed comically strange. However, I have been seeing it around everywhere, and then I was gifted a copy and thought—why not! Let me tell you, this story is brilliant. It is a pick-me-up-and-never-put-me-down kind of book. It’s thoughtful and intentional and it introduced me to a neurodiverse character. Sally is eccentric, confusing, and lovable. She has her own way of interacting with the world and it makes you question how you make decisions. Is she strange? Absolutely—but maybe not to everyone. This is a story that hits everything I look for in a thriller—engaging characters, characters you hate, a disturbing and dark mood, intrigue and twists, and an utterly compelling storyline.
From the first line “Put me out with the trash…”, Nugent draws you in with a completely twisted introduction to our main character. We find her realizing her father has died and putting him in the incinerator on their property. Of course, I immediately wondered how some could not care at all that their father has passed but thus Strange Sally Diamond. The story flies from there. Sally works her way into your heart, and you can’t help but put yourself into her shoes.
The story is fast paced and keeps you on your toes. The alternating perspectives created a full picture and allowed insight into Sally’s history, but only the perfect amount, a little at a time, creating a flawless buildup of anticipation. Nugent creates a world that you will fall into and never want to leave. The storylines come together beautifully and disturbingly. I found myself re-reading lines, laughing out loud, and being completely creeped out.
This story was unlike any I have read. It gave me perspective and reminded me that we don’t all experience the world the same way. I found myself flipping through the pages unable to stop reading. Sally wormed her way into my heart and has become one of my favourite characters. This story will stick with you; it will make you think and give you the best kind of book hangover. I absolutely loved it. Pick this book as soon as you can—an easy five star read.