Review of Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
Wow. Phew. Wow. That was my exact reaction upon finishing Strange Sally Diamond, the latest captivating release from Irish crime novelist Liz Nugent. Two days later, the novel still lingers in my mind, and I find myself reflecting on its nuanced brilliance. Initially drawn in by the promotional blurb, I expected a narrative similar to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine or The Maid, both featuring neurodivergent protagonists. What I discovered, however, was a stunningly original tale that defies easy categorization.
At first glance, you meet Sally Diamond, a woman in her forties whose literal-mindedness is both endearing and unsettling. The chillingly humorous moment when she throws her deceased father’s remains into an incinerator—misunderstanding his instructions to "put me out with the trash"—sets the tone for a narrative that intertwines darkness with wit. Nugent does a remarkable job crafting Sally’s voice, encapsulating her isolation and her stark honesty with a sharpness that feels both real and haunting. Her lack of filter makes for some of the most memorable dialogues, often hilarious yet deeply moving.
As the story unfolds, we are also introduced to another narrator: a young man on the other side of the world, raised in isolation due to a disease that kept him locked away from society’s cruelties and connections. Their stories, told across two timelines, converge in unexpected ways, revealing intricacies of human emotion and the stark realities of isolation. The juxtaposition of their lives is poignant, and readers are led to ponder not just the what of their circumstances, but the why—a core theme that Nugent unpacks with skill and sensitivity.
The writing flows effortlessly, capturing both the absurdity of Sally’s worldview and the gravity of her situation. Nugent’s pacing feels deliberate, allowing the tension to build as the mystery unfolds—less a classic whodunnit, and more a psychological unraveling that grips you until the last page. One particularly striking passage reminds us of the constraints of understanding and the ways we interpret our lives through personal lenses. I won’t spoil it here, but trust me, it’s the kind of detail that stays with you long after you close the book.
Overall, Strange Sally Diamond is a haunting examination of humanity, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers or true crime. Nugent’s ability to blend humor with depth is extraordinary, and her portrayal of Sally Diamond is both a mirror of societal isolation and an intimate exploration of personal resilience.
If you’re looking for a story that challenges perceptions while delivering raw emotions and unexpected twists, this is the book for you. Liz Nugent’s storytelling will certainly leave a mark, and the echoes of Sally’s journey will resonate long after you’ve turned the final page. I can confidently say that this book isn’t just a read, but an experience—one that has profoundly impacted my understanding of connection and what it means to truly communicate.