For those who appreciated the nuances of Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman and are drawn towards the darker edge of thrillers, akin to The Room by Emma Donoghue, Strange Sally Diamond will undoubtedly captivate your attention.

Set in rural Ireland, we meet Sally Diamond, the daughter of Denise Norton. Denise endured harrowing years of captivity after being kidnapped at just 11 years old, suffering at the cruel hands of her kidnapper, Connor Geary. Upon rescue, Sally was separated from her mother and came under the care of a psychologist and doctor who eventually adopted her. The narrative’s pace quickens with the death of Sally’s adoptive father; she chooses to cremate him, adhering verbatim to his wishes, a reflection of her autism and literal interpretation of the world around her. Sally’s quirks, often attributed to her autism, become more profound after the revelations that follow her father’s passing. These insights trace back to her tumultuous early years.

As Sally probes deeper into her past, she attracts media attention, and her birth name, Mary Norton, is unveiled. This discovery sets her on a collision course with the world around her, navigating intricate dynamics of family connections, trust, and friendship.

Without revealing too much, the narrative’s multi-layered structure oscillates between time periods and perspectives. One pivotal revelation involves Sally’s elder brother, Peter. Born under the same captor, Peter’s life is shrouded in a web of deception woven by his father, which keeps him alienated from society under the guise of a life-threatening skin condition. As the truth begins to surface, a teenage Peter faces the harrowing realities of his origin, sometimes becoming an unwitting participant in his father’s dark schemes. The tale delves into the perennial nature versus nurture debate, highlighting the contrasting influences of upbringing on the two siblings. The story takes a sinister turn as the paths of Peter and Sally, or Mary as he knows her, converge.

Strange Sally Diamond is a compelling narrative, though not for the faint-hearted. While not a comforting read, its pull is undeniable. Amidst its chilling backdrop are surprising bursts of humor. Through this work, Nugent challenges readers’ moral compasses. The empathy elicited for Peter, juxtaposed against his crimes, is particularly unsettling. The book’s conclusion leaves one pondering: Who can truly be trusted, and does the story conclude with the final page?