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dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting
Moderate: Rape, Suicide, Stalking
Minor: Racism, Acephobia/Arophobia, Lesbophobia
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A dark and twisted thriller that—despite the awful (and I mean truly despicable) people we meet amongst its pages—brings to life such a remarkable (if misunderstood) woman in that couldn’t help but root for every step of the way!
With no memory of the traumatic past that led to her adoption aged 7, Sally has always behaved differently to others—especially when it comes to understanding emotions and social cues.
So when a misunderstanding leads Sally into disposing of her dad’s body illegally, (by following his wishes and putting him out with the rubbish) she finds herself having to deal with the consequences and media storm that ensues.
But the media aren’t the only ones interested in Sally, as messages start arriving that hint at knowing far more about the horrors of Sally’s past than even she knows herself, and which threaten to once again throw Sally’s life and routine into utter chaos…
This was a pacy and thoroughly addictive read that I genuinely couldn’t put down though I do suggest that given the subject material, it’s best to check TWs before reading.
Being new to Liz Nugent’s work I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked this up—the premise sounded phenomenal but, it really didn’t do justice to the vividly detailed and emotionally visceral story that we see unfold.
It’s quite a dark and emotionally devastating read, but the depth we explore through Sally’s character as she tries to come to terms with the traumatic past she can’t remember and the new life she’s trying to build, was absolutely fantastic! I genuinely loved Sally, even in her darkest and most challenging moments and adored the small glimpses of hope (and humour) that are embedded within the story.
Told from the POVs of both Sally and her biological brother, Peter we get a deeply detailed and evocative picture of the tragedy and horror that Sally and her mother experienced as well as the lives forged in the aftermath of their rescue (including a surprisingly detailed glimpse into the life of their captor, abuser and father, Conor.)
I can’t go into to anymore details without spoiling the entire plot but, if you enjoy emotionally devastating and completely immersive stories which delve into the intricacies of the human condition—then you simply don’t want to miss the Masterpiece that is Strange Sally Diamond.
And a massive thank you to Penguin Random House/ Sandycove for the proof copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Gaslighting
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Lesbophobia