Strange Sally Diamond: Crime Novel of the Year, Irish Book Awards 2023

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this novel when I first started it. There is a certain about of dark humour as we get to know Sally as she is very matter of fact and takes things very literally. Some of the things she comes out with had me chuckling as it’s probably what we would say in our head but never out loud.After her father’s death, Sally starts to take more control of her life and doing things that we wouldn’t even think about not doing as everyday life is part of who we are. Sally struggles to interact with people and others don’t know how to take to her. She has an aunt and some people that look out for her but none of them fully understand what she has been through or how her mind works.The story gets quite dark as we understand more about what happened to her when she was a child and her mother. The story also flicks between Sally and Peter of which we see how damaged they both are and how what has happened in the past has affected them growing up and into adulthood. I have to say it was literally heartbreaking. I went through so many emotions and it does make for some tough reading as, with Peter especially, certain actions you won’t agree with but you can understand why.Strange Sally Diamond is a complex story of family and abuse. It delves into the damage that abuse can cause in the victims and it will put you through an emotional wringer. I loved Sally’s character and all her quirks. It’s a story that really makes you think and will stay with you for long after you have read it. I found the ending especially quite emotional as whilst it was very well done, it wasn’t the one I found myself hoping for. A hard hitting and beautifully written novel. Totally blew me away!

This book is about a women who has had a terrible past tries to navigate through life as more and more information about that past is revealed as the book progresses. The characters are well conceived and well written and the story moves along well and is brought together neatly in the end. A good read which is informative and interesting throughout.

My first time reading this author.. I loved the book, it's not something I would usually read but once I met Sally I couldn't give up on her, she's a wonderful character, flawed, sad and lonely, no one understands her, she's just unique and that scares people away from her. I'm glad I found this book it's well written with sensitivity, I highly recommend it.. I will probably read this one again..

This is a truly terrible story of child abuse and the ongoing effects it has on the victims. It is somewhat reminiscent of Room but for me, even better. Poor Sally and Peter and how they suffered, both in different ways, at the hand of their monster of a father. Like some other readers I thought Sally was going to be another Eleanor Oliphant but it isn't like that at all. She isn't autistic - just "Strange" and no wonder.I thought the plot was excellent if very shocking and it made me wonder how someone could even imagine such a scenario enough to write about, although there have been many cases of children being held hostage for many years. The characters were really well developed and it kept me totally absorbed from beginning to end. I really didn't want to finish it. I'm glad she tied it all up satisfactorily. although the ending was not as I would have hoped but no spoilers. Truly excellent book!

It is well written and harrowing story is captured beautifully.But it simply gets too dark at the end. It would have benefited from a different ending. Puts a bad taste in your mouth.

A book that has generated a lot of attention and plaudits, I was eager to find out what the fuss was about. The Sally of the title is the daughter of an eleven-year-old girl who was kidnapped by a psychopathic paedophile with a hatred of women and kept in captivity for many years. The story is split between the present day experiences of Sally, who is suddenly having to cope with life on her own and the past experiences of her brother, Peter. The former, initially at least, is lighter in tone and even generates a smile or two. The latter is much darker and harrowing. These changes in tone generally work well and the short chapters keep the plot moving. While I did occasionally find some of the dialogue in the Sally sections somewhat stilted, she still came across as an engaging character for whom it was easy to feel sympathy and empathise with. Unlike many reviewers, I thought, given what Sally and Peter had endured, the ending was more realistic than a happy-ever-after one. I can’t say I really enjoyed it, but I’m glad I read it.

The best book I've reading a long time. Disturbing and brilliant in equal measures. Kept me hooked from page one , a must read, will be recommending to everyone I know .

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Having struggled to get back into reading this year, continuing to give each new book a chance in the hope of finding the one that you can’t put down and look forward to picking up each day, yet pacing yourself as you don’t want it to end- my perseverance paid off with this book. About once a year, twice if I’m lucky, I find that book and this is that book for 2024. The characters were brilliantly conjured in a way that made you like them and want to know more about them despite their annoying/ unpleasant behaviours. If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine, you will love this book!

This book is definitely a good one! Liz is very thorough with her writing and it is very suspenseful. must read!

It starts off in a way that makes you read more! I normally don’t find a book that I love, because I regularly lose interest. This book keep me interested all the way through, and I found the writing excellent. I recommend. I will be reading other books by this author.

Great read, sally is quite a. Haracter. , annoying at times, sad as well but with great reliscience.,

This book is literally a phenomenal experience, you'll go through the bleak and colourless aspects of life which certainly teach you a hefty. Reading this book you'll feel each and every emotion of what a writer wants to convey. Most recommended.

Encantada co. El libro de principio a fin. Me lo leí completo, el final no fue mucho de mi agrado pero espero que hagan una peli