The Herd: the thought-provoking and unputdownable must-read book club novel of 2022

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History Makers: Female Writers Dominate the 2023 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award Shortlist Elizabeth and Bry are best friends until their differing views start to pose a threat to whom Elizabeth loves most. Other supporting characters take their positions on either side of the debate. Comment Ian O’Doherty: Sometimes a good old horror movie is the best escape from this grim world 03:30 I found this to be a very well written, researched story. I would recommend it to fans of Jodi Picoult. At the outset it reminded me a little of The Slap, so much so that I read it in my head in an Australian accent, though it’s set in England. As the story progressed, I found myself losing patience with it.

Then, pushing through the fug of my worry for Eleanor, a heady sadness that billowed like incense,” I got well and truly into this story. Focusing around the main two characters (mothers /friends) and could definitely see both sides.

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Now, on the day that Eleanor has a huge announcement for her company, in fact, right as she is supposed to be having the interview of a lifetime, to make this huge announcement, Eleanor is missing. She and The Herd have been targeted by a group called the Antiherd, with horrible words slashed across the walls of various locations. Eleanor has even been involved in a lawsuit with members of this group. Could they be responsible for Eleanor being missing? Could Eleanor have run away from the pressure of threats on her wellbeing and life? 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. Even though there are opinions in the book it is pretty much 50/50 so if you are wary its going to be anti or pro vax then don’t be, it genuinely seeks to offer both sides of the arguement, morally and otherwise based around the story told, I liked it was so impartial and the author chose not to add her feelings/views into the story ( as quite a few tend to on various topics nowadays ) bravo to her on that front In terms of the narrative, the book doesn't take a strong stance either way and I understand why that might be the preferred way to write this. After all, taking a strong stance, either way, would have created some real fallout However, I also think this was a bit of a cop-out considering how divisive the topic is. Emily Edwards has taken a relevant topic and written a book that sits on the fence. I just don't really see the point in it. It doesn't even add much to the conversation. Instead, The Herd just regurgitates the different arguments and does nothing with them. In the end, this book starts slowly and has a weak ending. There was a lot of pressure on the stuff in the middle to hold it together. The summary seemed to promise a tantalising story, one that would depict the complicated and shifting dynamics in an all-female co-working space. What we actually get is the usual cliched storyline that focuses on a group of friends, one of whom happens to be more successful/famous than the others.

Little do they know that they differ radically over one very important issue. And when Bryony, afraid of being judged, tells what is supposed to be a harmless white lie before a child’s birthday party, the consequences are more catastrophic than either of them could ever have imagined . . . Though told with clarity and balance, Emily Edwards’ The Herd is an emotional rollercoaster of a novel for readers who like their fiction to have real-life resonance, and family life at its heart. Exploring both sides of the child vaccination debate through two women, its themes and heated scenarios chime with current vaccination debates and conflicts. Namely, how societies and individuals navigate and reconcile public health needs with personal beliefs and fears.It's Andy Griffith's twenty-first birthday. Not that he's counting. But his mother Carol is. Counting the minutes until he arrives, counting the unexpected guests, counting the times that something like this has happened before. Recommended Reads about Race, Racism, and Demarginalizing History - Necessary Non-fiction You Should Read for Life-changing Insights and Impact I loved this book it was very thought provoking with a relevant topic that kept me fully engaged throughout. Welcome to my review of The Herd by Emily Edwards. I enjoyed this fiction book based on two families with differing opinions on vaccinating their children with devastating consequences.