The Herd: the unputdownable, thought-provoking must-read Richard & Judy book club pick

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Elizaebth and Bry have always been close. Until now. They have very differing views on child vaccinations and is something that they have never discussed their whole friendship until a heartbreaking event brings the topic to the forefront.

The characters are well developed, and various people around the court case balance either side of the argument. I connected to all four main characters and could empathise with them easily. The book did make me try to see both sides of the argument whilst retaining a clear sense of what's scientifically proven and what's not. Neither woman is likeable. At different times we side with each of them. I did feel a bit of sympathy for the husbands - one more than the other - but on the whole, this is a tale about privileged middle-class people and their lifestyle choices and the impact of those choices on others. What's often positioned as "My child, my choice" is quite clearly ignoring that not every child or parent has the right to exercise that choice. It also shows us on how relationships and friendships are fragile and how us parents want what’s best for our child even if others choices are different they still have the same love, the same protectiveness over their child/children as you yourself does.Despite such a contentious issue, the author manages to make neither heroes nor villains of the two main characters, as we watch their friendship implode after a chain of heart-breaking events that ends up in the courtroom, as well as the other characters we meet along the way. The 80-something with a polio-withered leg, the internet troll who wishes death on anti-vaxxers, the husband who wants to support his wife, while fearing for the health of his child. 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 . . . 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 . . . About This Edition ISBN: 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

I’d pushed for us to choose Sophie – she was the kind of mother I wanted to be. Strong, unafraid and incredibly kind. Alternative, yes (she had a yurt in her garden where she’d perform rebirthing rituals), but her life choices were rooted in experience and her shelves were heavy with books about birth and parenting. They were arguing because Sophie had just asked us whether we intended to vaccinate our baby. Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it properly yet, but was eager to hear Sophie’s wisdom, while James scrunched up his face as though her question had released a terrible smell. It is hard to imagine a more timely novel. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issue Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author of WISH YOU WERE HERE What a clever book. A very divisive subject written with such understanding and empathy but still light enough to be an enjoyable easy read. Truly a must read for all parents. Megan, NSW, 4 Stars

Emily Edwards Press Reviews

This book is extremely thought provoking and definitely one that is bound to spark up a wide range of debates. The publication of this book is very timely as it could be said to have a correlation with the current COVID vaccine debate we are all experiencing. Do you agree with the statement that there is no competition between friends if they are different? I want to start by indicating that this novel is based on a very contentious issue of vaccination and herd immunity. But it does so in a way that does not preach for either side. It highlights the pain that may be experienced by those making their choice on either side of the debate. I found myself not wanting to put this book down, I was so engrossed in what would happen. It moved me in many ways and highlights the highs and lows of friendship. Life can be extremely difficult sometimes, but enduring friendship can be a salve for the pain.