I'm so conflicted over how to rate this, so I've settled for a 3, but maybe 2.75 at a push.

This was very hyped up so I tried to not read any spoilers beforehand and just go with the flow regarding the general plot mentioned in the blurb about Sally putting her dad out with the rubbish. The novel was told in a very simplistic way to reflect Sally's difficulies with social interactions. However, while some people obviously loved this, for me it fell a bit flat and lifeless, even monotonous at times.

My real issue was with the ending, this miserable book full of miserable people perked up slightly in the middle with Sally moving on with her life and adjusting to friends and relationships etc, all for it to go back to being miserable again with no reflection or opportunity to move on, and was basically back where she started at the beginning. I wasn't expecting a happy ever after but just wondered what was the point as there wasn't any character development at the end and it just made me miserable, but maybe that was the point 🤔.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I hadn't read anything by this author before, and she states in the foreword that this story is 'dark'. I read the whole book because I wanted to know what happened in the end. There are some funny sections, and the characterisation of Sally is clever and realistic. However, there are some horrible sections with traumatic events described in full - I do not watch violent movies and I would class the descriptions in this book in the same way, I think this should be made clearer in the blurb and I would not have chosen to read it.

A very disturbing story but extremely well written. It's a gripping page turner that I couldn't put down. The characters are so genuine and believable. Such a good read

Strange Sally Diamond is brilliantly written - as are all of Liz Nugent's books. My favourite will always be Unravelling Oliver. I couldn't connect with the protagonist in Strange Sally Diamond, but that's a me issue. I was in the minority that didn't finish Eleanor Oliphant.

This has just gone to the top of my reads in 2024. I had not read anything by this author before, but I'll do my best to change this in the near future. She is a gifted writer, beautifully portraying complex, flawed characters in sad and outright disturbing circumstances.

Sally Diamond is strange - she initially comes into the limelight following the death of her father when she (thinks) she does exactly as he had instructed her: when he dies, he should be thrown out with the rubbish. Later on, as things escalate, we find out her background and her horrific, deeply distressing story is slowly unveiled.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an impartial and honest review.

How did it take me so long to read this weird, incredible book!? From the first page, I was locked in - I couldn't have stopped reading if I'd wanted to. Liz Nugent is a star.

I absolutely loved this book! Utterly fascinating right from the start. Brilliant unique characters, even the ones you hate you want to read more of.
Never read a book quite like this, fabulous.
I look forward to reading more from this author,
Brilliant

There’s been a lot of hype about this book so I went into it with some trepidation as sometimes book with lots of hype just don’t work for me. Strange Sally Diamond caught my attention from the off and I loved her as a character! Whilst the start was strong, I did feel the book dwindled off in the middle and I found myself wishing the book along at times. The ending was satisfying, although I did guess it beforehand, but good to see it wrapped up in the way I expected!

This was such a compelling story and the ending was such an impressive payoff. Sally will stay with me for a long time to come

This is a book that I had heard a lot about and wanted to love. However, whether it was bad timing or just too dark I’m not sure. I want to try again at some point and hopefully I will get further than indid

I found this to be Liz's best work to date. What I like is that Liz is not afraid to write about serious subjects but has a limit to not overload the reader with excessive graphic scenes.

I've read and enjoyed all previous Liz Nugent books and I was really excited to read this one. I think it's her best one yet. Absolutely loved it!

My favourite book of the year! I absolutely devoured Strange Sally Diamond. The characterisation was so brilliant and I really felt for Sally so much but I equally loved where the story went and how everything came together.

With probably the most shocking opening to any book I’ve ever read, this one kept me hooked right the way through. I adore Liz Nugent’s writing and loved Our Little Cruelties so much too that I will be reading through Nugent’s backlist!

5/5 stars!

Liz Nugent just doesn’t fail to deliver. Strange Sally Diamond had me gripped from page one and didn’t let go until the end.

It’s fast-paced with great characters and a tightly woven plot.

If you’re looking for a neatly and nicely packaged story, this is not the book for you.

It’s big, bold and dark in places but you’d expect nothing less from this author.

I love being given the opportunity to update our school library which is a unique space for both senior students and staff to access high quality literature. This is definitely a must-buy. It kept me absolutely gripped from cover to cover and is exactly the kind of read that just flies off the shelves. It has exactly the right combination of credible characters and a compelling plot thatI just could not put down. This is a great read that I couldn't stop thinking about and it made for a hugely satisfying read. I'm definitely going to order a copy and think it will immediately become a popular addition to our fiction shelves. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

The story of Sally Diamond, who puts her father’s remains out with the rubbish, makes headlines in Ireland while Sally doesn’t know what the fuss is. I’ll admit when I was a few pages in I forgot myself and posted all about, telling people it was heartwarming and heartbreaking and made it sound a bit too warm, perhaps forgetting that this was a book crafted by a master crime author. I remembered when I realised that Sally’s past had some extremely grim and dark moments, with tragedy and abuse and despair, hatred of women in general and such cruelty. It was a book that, as all Liz Nugent’s books do, had me exhaling at times, and I do believe I said ‘ah no’ out loud twice. (Professional reviewing at its best, eh?😉). Unputdownable doesn’t even touch this book! Characters and community you root for, or despise, settings that make you despair, or which give hope and comfort, and a story that has you holding your breath. (Or saying ‘ah, no’!) Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this arc. Rating:5:5

Oh wow I loved this one so much. Sally is a rather strange character but I absolutely loved her. This book utterly consumed me right up to the final page. Just brilliant

I like the very strange Sally Diamond, but I did also find the story a bit disturbing in parts. I had hoped for a different ending though

'I am forty four and I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.'
.
I finally understand the hype! This is probably my favourite Liz Nugent book so far, definitely recommend reading it!

Another fantastic read by Liz Nugent. Sally, with her unique charm and naivety, was an instant favourite, offering several light-hearted moments that evoked genuine laughter. Peter's storyline added a darker, more intense layer to the narrative, which was another reason to keep turning the page. The end of the book felt somewhat hurried, but I thought it was a decent end to a great story. Highly recommended.