Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
I’m always asking friends, “What are you reading?” It’s my version of matchmaking—pairing myself with a good book. The answers range wildly: Murder Mysteries (yes, please), Serial Killers (tell me more), Sci-fi (iffy, but Project Hail Mary—chef’s kiss), and Fantasy (hit or miss unless there’s a dragon with a sense of humor).
So when my friend Libby asked, “Have you read Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent?”—I paused. No, I had not. Shame on me and my Irish roots. But once I read the summary—“shocking, disturbing, and utterly original”—I was in. That’s basically my version of a book siren call.
Now let me just say: this book is beautifully written. It’s tragic, sometimes funny, tender, and utterly heartbreaking. One of those stories that grabs you by the collar and gently (okay, not so gently) says, “You’re not going anywhere until this is finished.”
We meet Sally Diamond, who lives a very quiet life in rural Ireland. The story kicks off with Sally attempting to follow her father’s dying wish—by cremating him. At home. In the rubbish bin. Yes, really. Turns out Sally is extremely literal, and what unfolds is dark, with some uncomfortable humor and immediately tragic. Suddenly she’s on every news outlet in Ireland, becoming an unwilling media sensation.
From there, the story spirals into deeply unsettling and haunting territory. Sally always knew she was adopted, but she never knew why. Through a series of letters her adoptive father left behind, she begins to unravel the dark, jaw-dropping events of her past—and I promise, you’re not ready. You’ll want to read this with someone just so you have someone to gasp with.
Without giving too much away: this novel spans decades, covers unspeakable trauma, and somehow still gives us moments of warmth, healing, and the slow growth of a woman finally learning how to navigate a world she was never prepared for.
There’s a toy bear. There’s a disgusting villain. There’s a quiet heroism. And there’s Sally—strange, strong, and unforgettable.
Highly recommend this one for your next book club pick—especially if your club enjoys a good cry, a better debate, and maybe a glass (or three) of wine. After all, what’s a book club without wine?
Wine Pairing:
Pour a glass of Styring’s Signature Pinot Noir from Oregon. Like Sally, it’s quietly powerful, layered, and lingers long after the last sip. With notes of cherry, spice, and earth, it’s the perfect companion to a story that’s both devastating and hopeful—one that reminds you of the strength it takes to survive and the courage it takes to connect.
