The Herd just kept getting better and better until with its final brilliant flourish it relinquished the grip hold it had me in from start to finish.

It examines such a current issue and shows a demonstration of the increasing intolerance for difference of opinion that seems to be the world we're living in.

Elizabeth and Bryony are best friends, and godmothers to one another's daughters. They are polar opposites but have fierce loyalty and love. Until their daughters become sick and Elizabeth unleashes her anger and blame fully onto Bryony.

The beauty of the writing in this wonderful novel, is that the main characters have depth, complexity and characteristics that make them flawed and therefore relatable. We may not like some of Elizabeth's behaviour for example, but when we learn that she had undiagnosed PND, it puts a different slant on things. And we may disagree with Bryony choosing not to vaccinate her daughter, but we cannot fail to be moved by the heartbreak of her brother's disability with its far-reaching effect on the whole family.

I for one, did not see the final brilliant twist in court. I thought I knew, but I didn't, and stories so rarely surprise me anymore, so it made it all the more enjoyable.

There's so much more that's brilliant about The Herd, my advice would be to read it for yourself and enjoy every moment.

‘The Herd’ by Emily Edwards is set in the U.K. between July and December 2019, and while set before the pandemic its themes are certainly relevant to the situation of the past two years and beyond.

The plot focuses on two women, who have been best friends since university. They are very different with Elizabeth being one of those super-organised types very involved in local politics while Bryony is laidback and Bohemian. They live in the same street and are godmothers to each other’s young daughters yet there is one issue that will severely test their friendship.

This book is extremely thought-provoking and definitely one that is bound to spark up a wide range of debates. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

This was quite the topical read as we all navigate our way through this pandemic, worrying about how safe our vulnerable loved ones are and what we can and should do about it.

Edwards paints a desirable family life. You will recognise the rich, charmed lives from any recent domestic thriller - something has to give, and give it does.

Bryony has been brought up to believe that her violent older brother is autistic due to the MMR vaccine given to him at a year. She has been completely indoctrinated in this view from a young age, and believes it whole-heartedly. She chooses not to vaccinated her daughter Alba.

Meanwhile best friend Elizabeth’s daughter suffered from febrile seizures as a baby and thus is also unvaccinated.

For me, this is where the book falls apart. These two women made the exact same decision for the exact same reason. So the tension that builds seems rather forced. You’ve made the exact same decision as your best friend for the exact same reason and you never discuss it? Despite being in and out of each other’s pockets for years? It’s not very realistic. Yes, vaccination is a hot topic, and an emotional one, but when you agree with someone you are more likely to talk about it than not in my opinion.

The picture painted of the dads who chat about vaccination on their runs, but who don’t really know their kids’ medical history and don’t really delve into these decisions made by the women on behalf of their children is also frustrating. Why are the women so hysterical and why is childhood vaccination solely their domain?

On the other hand, if you can ignore these issues, it’s a gripping read and an emotional one. I did cry at the end, out of love and frustration for the two little girls caught at the heart of the drama.

This was a book that I had requested and then on further inspection wished I hadn't as due to the subject matter I presumed I wouldn't enjoy it.
However, I was recommended to read it despite the subject matter.
The book is about vaccines and herd immunity. Despite my initial thoughts once I hot to around 10% I was hooked.
It us a very cleverly written book with a few central characters and I felt the author split the opinions 50/50, even though I felt myself siding towards one mother.
I've found it hard to review this without any spoilers, so all I can say is read it yourself as I would definatley recommend it.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this read.

This is definitely a extremely thought provoking read. It makes you have a serious think of the impact of the choices you make not only as a parent, but as a member of society. Fast paced will well developed characters. Definitely one I'd recommend, although perhaps not to someone who suffers from health anxieties.

The Herd is very topical at the moment however it is more to do with childhood vaccination than the covid one but thoughts, feelings and views are all very much the same
Compassionately told,this story deals with the emotions surrounding what happened with 2 families with very different views around the vaccines their children receive
Best friends Bry and Elizabeth agree on many things but this and know it’s best not to discuss it.
However one day something happens which brings this to a head.
The Herd explores these choices that every family makes and the consequences that can occur. Emily Edwards has without a doubt explored the many views and has put them across in a well written, compassionate way. There were (as in life) views I didn’t agree with and characters that didn’t appeal but that is where it is so well written
I am very keen to explore more from this author after reading this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title

I really enjoyed this story of two friends with seemingly opposing views on child vaccinations. The blurb didn’t explicitly give away the subject matter, so I wasn’t sure that it would be the story for me once I realised. I don’t have children and this isn’t an issue I have ever really considered.

That didn’t matter as I became engrossed in the story; hearing the thoughts and opinions of the two main families, as well as those from the surrounding community. Some chapters are narrated by unknown people who have involved themselves in the story, a device I quite enjoyed as it gave different perspectives without adding unnecessary characters.

The main protagonists are best friend Elizabeth and Bry, and although they’re both quite frustrating in their own way, I liked them both and was able to see and perhaps understand their points of view.

I would recommend reading this story simply because it’s a well-written, interesting story - it feels wrong to say it was enjoyable as it tells of hugely challenging personal situations but, well, I did.

Thanks to #netgalley and the publishers for an early copy in exchange for my thoughts.

I really wasn't sure about this novel, probably because there has been so much talk about herd immunity over the past couple of years. If there's one thing that I haven't wanted to read about, it's the pandemic.

I needn't have worried, as the herd immunity referred to in this story, was for a very different reason, and there's the challenge. This is going to make for great book club debates, discussing the fors & against in this controversial and interesting story.

It makes for compulsive reading, due to its balanced arguments and right until the end I was unsure what the conclusion would be.

Ok so disclaimer to start as I am a nurse that immunises as part of my role and promote vaccines daily.
I was intrigued how the story would portray vaccines and perhaps that stopped me from enjoying the characters. I was very angry for the first half of the book but as the story evolved I began to feel sorry for both Bry and Elizabeth not mothers who have chosen not to vaccinate their children for different reasons. I was scared how the court case would go and would have liked more time spent on the small girls who I felt suffered the most from their parents actions.
I feel my 3 star review does not give the book justice as is not a review of the characters but of how I struggled to read such sadness over failing to vaccinate children. It is well written but very long chapters. I would definitely like to read another novel from the same author in the future.

If you follow my blog you will know that I read quite a lot of books and I’m getting to the stage that in order to give a book 5 stars it needs to now tick several boxes. For example: characters I care about or connect with ✔; situations I have found myself in or dilemma’s I’ve personally faced ✔; topics that are both topical and educational ✔; plotlines that are thought-provoking and original ✔; writing that is faultless and perfectly plotted ✔ and above all a book that I literally can’t or won’t put down ✔.

As The Herd ticks all the above and more this was a really easy 5 star read for me.

The Herd tackles a very real issue – immunisation and given the current Covid pandemic and vaccine reluctance it’s a story that everyone can relate to right now.

The story centres around two women, Elizabeth and Bryony – complete opposites in everyway, but best friends for years. Both families live in the same street, their husbands are best friends and they are both godmothers to each other’s daughters.

The book begins with a courtcase but we don’t know any details of what has happened at this stage except that a tragic event has occured resulting in a very public courtcase. Told through dual timelines and from both Elizabeth and Bryony’s voices, the author slowly and meticulously reveals the story behind the courtcase. Throughout the book there are clever and original chapters told from the “onlookers” at the Courtcase, from an online troll to a social worker which gives the reader a really varied perspective on this highly topical issue.

I love a book that not only grips me and makes me think but also educates me. The Herd reminded me a little of Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things, because the research was meticulous and unbiased, the topic of whether to vaccinate was fair and balanced and above all I felt I was learning so much whilst reading the book.

Overall, I think this is a very important book that should be read by everyone. Timely, important, relatable and debatable. The Herd goes into my Top Ten books of 2022.

I didn't finish this book. I found the characters and their lives were not very believable and the story felt forced.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily.
I thought this book addressed the opinions, beliefs and strong feelings around vaccination (specifically the MMR but the general idea can be applied across a range of healthcare ethics and treatments) very well. The author has achieved a balanced view of pros and cons, 'for' and 'against' through the behaviours of the main characters and the cameos around the hearing of the court case. I thought the main female characters were extremely unlikeable; their language, behaviour and thoughts about each other made me glad they were not friends of mine but it ensured readers understand the strength of their feelings in relation to the issue. There are many emotional moments (my memories of seeing someone in an iron lung can never be forgotten) and the final twist makes a powerful outcome, leaving the reader squarely in the position of not siding with either set of parents. A truly excellent novel for these times.

An interesting look at how the choices we make as parents impacts others. The actions of one character, Elizabeth, didn't quite hold together to me. She is presented as a super logical person, but I didn't realise understand why she was only asking who was vaccinated when it came to her child's party. It felt a little contrived.

Fantastic book. Topical and thought provoking. A story of opposing viewpoints on vaccination and illustrating how different perspectives can make or break friendships with a complicated web of deceit. The characters are well drawn and any reader would recognise themselves or their friends. Recommend to everyone and especially right now.

An interesting read which is very current and topical regarding vaccines.
Fast paced
I enjoyed this book

Vaccine hesitancy is a contentious subject (and one I, as a scientist, have studied from an academic perspective). That vaccines are one of the greatest health developments ever is beyond doubt. However, scare stories about vaccines mean that many parents struggle with the decision to vaccinate their children. So, a novel that addresses the issue is welcome.

Sadly, I don't think this novel adds much to the discussion. There is too much deceit and anger involved when this is an issue that should be addressed rationally. Perhaps this is the author's own experience of anti-vax and pro-vax arguments, so maybe it is good that she highlights it.

The book has the feel of one that has been written with a view to it becoming a film or TV series. I hope, if it does, the screenplay takes a more nuanced approach to the issue of vaccine hesitancy.

Very topical subject matter which I have quite decisive views on. This meant I took sides but I don’t want to give the plot away so will leave it at that.
The characters didn’t fully convince me as I can’t imagine one friend would have such a strong impact on how another behaved but perhaps I’m wrong.

Addictive read. Thought provoking. Great characters and fast-paced plot. An interesting exploration of the controversial ideas on vaccinations and a look at anti-vaxxing ideas.

The Herd by EMILY EDWARDS. (2022)⁣⁣
⁣
This book holds a really interesting exploration of the topic of vaccination and the choice parents have to make to keep their children and the community safe. This story feels so timely but speaks of vaccinations without reference to the current pandemic which I think delivers a refreshing & differing take on the topic. Additionally, it tackles the ill-effects of false information and ignorance without being overly active at either side of the argument, which again makes it less overbearing to read in times like these.
⁣
I think this book is going to be super popular, and rightly so! One thing that didn't overwhelm me in this book was that the characters didn't seem all that accessible or relatable (they come across very posh). This is personal to me, because it's just not something I'm immediately drawn to, but I do think it was vital for the author to tell the story in the way it has been. Overall, definitely one I will recommend!

Wow I literally have not stopped thinking about this book. I was awake until 3am to finish it. Controversial and so apt with vaccinations being at the front of everyone’s minds.