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The Herd
Two best friends
Elizabeth and Bryony are polar opposites but their unexpected friendship has always worked. They're the best of friends, and godmothers to each other's daughters - because they both trust that the safety of their children is their top priority.
One little secret
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.
Every parent's worst nightmare . . .
Elizabeth and Bryony are polar opposites but their unexpected friendship has always worked. They're the best of friends, and godmothers to each other's daughters - because they both trust that the safety of their children is their top priority.
One little secret
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.
Every parent's worst nightmare . . .
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,379 reviews
May 28, 2022
Rounded up from roughly 4.5 stars ⭐️
The Herd follows best friends Bryony and Elizabeth. They live for their families and each other, trusting that they have the children’s best interests at heart. But it turns out some things have gone unspoken between them, and some lies may cause irreparable damage.
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.
My only issue with this novel was that I really struggled to connect with both Bryony and Elizabeth. I just found their choices and actions difficult to understand at times. That being said, I fell completely in love with Emily Edwards descriptions of children at play. I have never read anything with so much accuracy before, it made the characters of Alba and Clemmie so vivid in my mind. You could absolutely tell that the author is a mother herself. The vulnerability and innocence warmed my heart completely. This is a book unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would recommend this to any fans of contemporary fiction who likes stories based on friendship. I want to thank Netgalley, Random House UK and Emily Edwards for allowing me to read this and give my personal thoughts.
The Herd follows best friends Bryony and Elizabeth. They live for their families and each other, trusting that they have the children’s best interests at heart. But it turns out some things have gone unspoken between them, and some lies may cause irreparable damage.
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.
My only issue with this novel was that I really struggled to connect with both Bryony and Elizabeth. I just found their choices and actions difficult to understand at times. That being said, I fell completely in love with Emily Edwards descriptions of children at play. I have never read anything with so much accuracy before, it made the characters of Alba and Clemmie so vivid in my mind. You could absolutely tell that the author is a mother herself. The vulnerability and innocence warmed my heart completely. This is a book unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would recommend this to any fans of contemporary fiction who likes stories based on friendship. I want to thank Netgalley, Random House UK and Emily Edwards for allowing me to read this and give my personal thoughts.
January 25, 2022
Gripping book-clubby read about a highly-politicized current issue-- vaccination.
The Herd is certainly made for discussing; you can imagine the book club talking points as you're reading. To be honest, I think the book's greatest strength is that I haven't yet read a book that has tackled this subject, presenting characters on both sides of the debate and exploring each one's reasoning. It feels honest, fair, and doesn't shy away from any of the arguments frequently thrown up about vaccines (f*** Andrew Wakefield, seriously).
To be crystal clear, however-- it does shut down the faux-scientific claims of anti-vaxxers over the course of the novel, but it is not unsympathetic to those parents who refuse vaccines out of ignorance and fear for their children. As the author states in the foreword, these parents are just trying their best to get it right for their child. The foreword also brings up the timeliness of the novel given COVID, though it was being written before that and is not about any of the issues unique to COVID and its vaccines.
While this is very much an "issue" book, the characters are well-drawn and not even close to being always likeable. Elizabeth's daughter, Clemmie, cannot be vaccinated due to early childhood illness and so the family rely on others to maintain herd immunity in order to keep her safe. Bry grew up with a severely autistic brother whose autism their mother believes stemmed from the MMR vaccine, so she vows never to vaccinate her own child.
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.
Elizabeth, Bry and others all take their turn at being sympathetic and deeply sanctimonious and annoying. I think the author did a great job of showing how easily people rile each other up on this issue. I am a fervent believer in vaccinations, but even I recoil from someone yelling in my face how I must do this and I must do that or I'm morally-challenged and selfish. I like how the author never presented this as good vs bad because, like most things, it's more complex than that.
Scattered throughout the main narrative are little snippet chapters where another point of view comes in-- a doctor, a journalist, a mother, an internet troll --all with differing opinions, and I found these short, hard-hitting chapters really effective. Here, the author does a number of things well. Arguments are made and challenged, the callousness of the internet and media is captured, and she explores why some parents try desperately to find reasons for their child's illness or depression or ADHD.
I liked it. I liked how it didn't feel preachy or didactic. One thing I didn't love was the character of Rosalyn because I did not understand why she had no purpose other than to randomly pop up and offer magical hippie wisdom. Also, all the characters were middle to upper middle class, which is typical of anti-vaxxers, and white, which I honestly don't know if that's typical of anti-vaxxers or not.
There's lots more I could drone on about but I believe my words would either be preaching to the choir or talking to a brick wall. Sometimes I just think about my grandad growing up in miserable poverty, losing a sibling to polio, a classmate to measles, and then I think about trying to explain to him the anti-vaxx movement. He didn't live to see it, but I can picture the look on his face.
The Herd is certainly made for discussing; you can imagine the book club talking points as you're reading. To be honest, I think the book's greatest strength is that I haven't yet read a book that has tackled this subject, presenting characters on both sides of the debate and exploring each one's reasoning. It feels honest, fair, and doesn't shy away from any of the arguments frequently thrown up about vaccines (f*** Andrew Wakefield, seriously).
To be crystal clear, however-- it does shut down the faux-scientific claims of anti-vaxxers over the course of the novel, but it is not unsympathetic to those parents who refuse vaccines out of ignorance and fear for their children. As the author states in the foreword, these parents are just trying their best to get it right for their child. The foreword also brings up the timeliness of the novel given COVID, though it was being written before that and is not about any of the issues unique to COVID and its vaccines.
While this is very much an "issue" book, the characters are well-drawn and not even close to being always likeable. Elizabeth's daughter, Clemmie, cannot be vaccinated due to early childhood illness and so the family rely on others to maintain herd immunity in order to keep her safe. Bry grew up with a severely autistic brother whose autism their mother believes stemmed from the MMR vaccine, so she vows never to vaccinate her own child.
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.
Elizabeth, Bry and others all take their turn at being sympathetic and deeply sanctimonious and annoying. I think the author did a great job of showing how easily people rile each other up on this issue. I am a fervent believer in vaccinations, but even I recoil from someone yelling in my face how I must do this and I must do that or I'm morally-challenged and selfish. I like how the author never presented this as good vs bad because, like most things, it's more complex than that.
Scattered throughout the main narrative are little snippet chapters where another point of view comes in-- a doctor, a journalist, a mother, an internet troll --all with differing opinions, and I found these short, hard-hitting chapters really effective. Here, the author does a number of things well. Arguments are made and challenged, the callousness of the internet and media is captured, and she explores why some parents try desperately to find reasons for their child's illness or depression or ADHD.
I liked it. I liked how it didn't feel preachy or didactic. One thing I didn't love was the character of Rosalyn because I did not understand why she had no purpose other than to randomly pop up and offer magical hippie wisdom. Also, all the characters were middle to upper middle class, which is typical of anti-vaxxers, and white, which I honestly don't know if that's typical of anti-vaxxers or not.
There's lots more I could drone on about but I believe my words would either be preaching to the choir or talking to a brick wall. Sometimes I just think about my grandad growing up in miserable poverty, losing a sibling to polio, a classmate to measles, and then I think about trying to explain to him the anti-vaxx movement. He didn't live to see it, but I can picture the look on his face.
May 17, 2022
4 stunning stars ⭐️
Bryony Chamberlain waits for Clemmie her friend Elizabeth’s daughter outside the Nettlestone primary school, she recognises her easily with her red hair She is six years old. Elizabeth has a very special relationship with Bryony they had been friends for twenty years, but are polarising opposites on how to bring up their children.
Elizabeth sends an email to Clemmie friends that she is having a seventh birthday 🎂 party 🎈 & advises the parents that due to seizures Clemmie hasn’t been vaccinated, the kids show up but at the party Bryony tells a small little white lie that could come spiralling down to bite her the two families lives will be changed forever which will have huge consequences for everybody concerned they are so huge they could never begin to imagine.
This was a very good book with a poignant issue of vaccinating your child or not? If it were me my decision would be yes but not everybody feels the same way it could cause heated discussions through the family one which I don’t want to get involved in a good novel full of thought it was well researched & the characters were well written enjoyed this one.
Bryony Chamberlain waits for Clemmie her friend Elizabeth’s daughter outside the Nettlestone primary school, she recognises her easily with her red hair She is six years old. Elizabeth has a very special relationship with Bryony they had been friends for twenty years, but are polarising opposites on how to bring up their children.
Elizabeth sends an email to Clemmie friends that she is having a seventh birthday 🎂 party 🎈 & advises the parents that due to seizures Clemmie hasn’t been vaccinated, the kids show up but at the party Bryony tells a small little white lie that could come spiralling down to bite her the two families lives will be changed forever which will have huge consequences for everybody concerned they are so huge they could never begin to imagine.
This was a very good book with a poignant issue of vaccinating your child or not? If it were me my decision would be yes but not everybody feels the same way it could cause heated discussions through the family one which I don’t want to get involved in a good novel full of thought it was well researched & the characters were well written enjoyed this one.
February 27, 2022
I thoroughly was into this book, hook line and sinker.
I didn’t understand exactly how this was going to pan out for me as it was close to what’s happening in the U.K. at the moment with “herding” as regards to jabs/vaccines and Covid.
Except this is MMR and how many parents were scared or ignorant or didn’t want the MMR for their babies for all sorts of reasons.
The fictional families could have been so true to events it was unreal. I could just see the dilemma that many parents experienced. I was one of them. My choices weren’t what some had chosen to do within the pages if this book.
It also shows us….be honest.
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.
I got well and truly into this story. Focusing around the main two characters (mothers /friends) and could definitely see both sides.
Each one desperately living their offspring. Mistakes easily made having a domino effect on another with consequences unforgivable. And, unfortunate. But with well meaning at that time.
An engrossing captivating storyline that will truly having you question things.
I’m definitely keeping this author on my radar.
I didn’t understand exactly how this was going to pan out for me as it was close to what’s happening in the U.K. at the moment with “herding” as regards to jabs/vaccines and Covid.
Except this is MMR and how many parents were scared or ignorant or didn’t want the MMR for their babies for all sorts of reasons.
The fictional families could have been so true to events it was unreal. I could just see the dilemma that many parents experienced. I was one of them. My choices weren’t what some had chosen to do within the pages if this book.
It also shows us….be honest.
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.
I got well and truly into this story. Focusing around the main two characters (mothers /friends) and could definitely see both sides.
Each one desperately living their offspring. Mistakes easily made having a domino effect on another with consequences unforgivable. And, unfortunate. But with well meaning at that time.
An engrossing captivating storyline that will truly having you question things.
I’m definitely keeping this author on my radar.
February 2, 2022
Hmmmm, I almost didn’t read this when saw the blurb and realised it was all about vaccines and the title ‘The Herd’ related to herd immunity ( lesson learnt re reading blurb although It probably isen’t!) even more turned off when reading the authors info at the beginning it mentioned having a chat to her ‘doula’ had inspired the book ( google doula if not heard of them ) but an author friend who had read it convinced me to give it a go and all told am pleased did
Now there is not a more on topic thing that vaccines is there but also there is not a more boring, overdone, wretched topic either ( alongside Covid and Brexit ) that has broken friendships and even families and so the author to give her her due is brave to tackle it
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
It took maybe 10% to get into it, its full of yummee mummee and posy dadee characters that I couldn’t relate to but as the story progresses that doesn’t matter so much as the story builds
There are very clever short chapters on people drawn into the story but not directly involved and their feelings on the matter ( which by now you can tell I am not going to mention 🤗 )
A very tense and extremely well done end court case with a finale that will as the blurb suggests create a lot of discussion in book groups
So yes I am glad I gave the book a go and listened to advice to try it and it did turn out to be a worthy amd interesting read
8/10
4 Stars
October 28, 2022
I’m procrastinating over my rating for this book.
On the one hand, this book is quite engaging and well-written in ways typical of this type of book club fiction. I can deal with the one-dimensional characters, the convenient plot points and the fairly preposterous legal case if it’s a decent pageturner.
On the other hand however, the author has produced a book that is pretty sympathetic to the anti-vaxx movement and reeks of privilege.
Of the two main characters, Elizabeth the pro-vaccine mum is highly strung and painfully neurotic, while anti-vaxx mum Bryony is a messy, hippy mum “just doing her best”. The author chooses not to come down on one side or the other in the story which I found a bit pathetic and will only serve to enhance vaccine hesitancy in those who are that way inclined.
This is essentially a book about two middle class women who think they know better than decades of established medical science. Sigh.
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.
Three stars for the decent book club fiction writing, one star for the message that we’re all just doing our best and for the rehashing of outdated anti-vaxx bullshit. I’ve compromised with a rating of two stars.
On the one hand, this book is quite engaging and well-written in ways typical of this type of book club fiction. I can deal with the one-dimensional characters, the convenient plot points and the fairly preposterous legal case if it’s a decent pageturner.
On the other hand however, the author has produced a book that is pretty sympathetic to the anti-vaxx movement and reeks of privilege.
Of the two main characters, Elizabeth the pro-vaccine mum is highly strung and painfully neurotic, while anti-vaxx mum Bryony is a messy, hippy mum “just doing her best”. The author chooses not to come down on one side or the other in the story which I found a bit pathetic and will only serve to enhance vaccine hesitancy in those who are that way inclined.
This is essentially a book about two middle class women who think they know better than decades of established medical science. Sigh.
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.
Three stars for the decent book club fiction writing, one star for the message that we’re all just doing our best and for the rehashing of outdated anti-vaxx bullshit. I’ve compromised with a rating of two stars.
January 12, 2022
Elizabeth and Bryony are polar opposites but their unexpected friendship has always worked. They're the best of friends and godmothers to each others daughters - because they trust that the safety of their daughters is a top priority for both of them. Little do they know that they differ radically over one very important issue. But 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 that either of them could ever have imagined.
Elizabeth and Bryony have two completely different personalities. Elizabeth's daughter has an illness which means she should not be vaccinated and her parents have to rely on the herd immunity around them to keep Clementine safe. Elizabeth is quite vocal on the importance of being vaccinated. Bryony doesn't trust vaccines, so her daughter has not been vaccinated. This is quite relevant tp the current situation with covid. It's also quite an emotional read. This is a well written book that debates for and against vaccines.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #EmilyEdwards for my ARC of #TheHerd in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth and Bryony have two completely different personalities. Elizabeth's daughter has an illness which means she should not be vaccinated and her parents have to rely on the herd immunity around them to keep Clementine safe. Elizabeth is quite vocal on the importance of being vaccinated. Bryony doesn't trust vaccines, so her daughter has not been vaccinated. This is quite relevant tp the current situation with covid. It's also quite an emotional read. This is a well written book that debates for and against vaccines.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #EmilyEdwards for my ARC of #TheHerd in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2022
Very compelling, very topical, VERY UNDEMANDING. Goodness knows we love a domestic drama and The Herd is exactly that. I spotted the twist a bit early but it’s a satisfying, easy read.
January 30, 2022
I really did not enjoy this book!
I expected a lot more, and I was left very disappointed. (although I'm clearly in the minority based on the reviews already on this book)
On the face of it, the book sounded right up my street, but the when reading it just felt very flat. The main debate focusses on the idea of vaccinations, and I was expecting this to be symbolic for something else, or at least something that delves a little deeper than just vaccinations - but that was it. It didn't go deeper, it didn't strike up and conflict in my own opinions, it didn't stand for anything else. It was just a simple argument, written simply.
I also think this book should have a trigger warning.
Too basic, not enough deeper thinking in this for me.
I expected a lot more, and I was left very disappointed. (although I'm clearly in the minority based on the reviews already on this book)
On the face of it, the book sounded right up my street, but the when reading it just felt very flat. The main debate focusses on the idea of vaccinations, and I was expecting this to be symbolic for something else, or at least something that delves a little deeper than just vaccinations - but that was it. It didn't go deeper, it didn't strike up and conflict in my own opinions, it didn't stand for anything else. It was just a simple argument, written simply.
I also think this book should have a trigger warning.
Too basic, not enough deeper thinking in this for me.
January 7, 2024
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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 13, 2022
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**3.5 stars**
The Herd by Emily Edwards. (2022).
Elizabeth and Bryony are polar opposites but their friendship has always worked. They are best friends and godmothers to each other's daughters - because they trust that the safety of their children is top priority for both women. 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 catastrophic...
This book happens to be an extremely timely novel. The author explains at the end that she was inspired to write this book after listening to her husband and birth doula disagree about vaccines for the upcoming baby; the book just happens to be published at a time where debates on Covid vaccines can be very heated! Using the two main characters, I think the author has presented the two opposing sides of pro- and anti-vax parents realistically and with respect; she also conveys the truthful (in my opinion) point that every parent is really just trying their best to keep their children safe. The narrative is compelling and thought-provoking; no doubt this novel would be a good choice for a book club discussion. I found it an intriguing modern read and would recommend for anyone interested by the synopsis.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**3.5 stars**
The Herd by Emily Edwards. (2022).
Elizabeth and Bryony are polar opposites but their friendship has always worked. They are best friends and godmothers to each other's daughters - because they trust that the safety of their children is top priority for both women. 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 catastrophic...
This book happens to be an extremely timely novel. The author explains at the end that she was inspired to write this book after listening to her husband and birth doula disagree about vaccines for the upcoming baby; the book just happens to be published at a time where debates on Covid vaccines can be very heated! Using the two main characters, I think the author has presented the two opposing sides of pro- and anti-vax parents realistically and with respect; she also conveys the truthful (in my opinion) point that every parent is really just trying their best to keep their children safe. The narrative is compelling and thought-provoking; no doubt this novel would be a good choice for a book club discussion. I found it an intriguing modern read and would recommend for anyone interested by the synopsis.
July 22, 2022
I loathed this book. I found the characters cliched and one-dimensional, e.g.; the uptight 'control freak' and the free-wheelin' hippie, the writing syrupy, and the text filled with ridiculous tropes, e.g; someone jogging on the spot in his house waiting for his friend to arrive for a run (in my many years and thousands of kms of running, I have never known anyone to do that ever). One plot development in particular would have had even Charles Dickens rolling his eyes at its mawkishness and sentimentality (no more angelic, lisping children please).
Christos Tsiolkas's The Slap has a vaguely similar dynamic in terms of a disagreements about child rearing causing a fracture in a group of friends: I found the world that Tsiolkas depicted so fascinatingly odious that it was compelling. The milieu that Edwards depicts in The Herd, however, I simply found emotionally immature and trite.
Christos Tsiolkas's The Slap has a vaguely similar dynamic in terms of a disagreements about child rearing causing a fracture in a group of friends: I found the world that Tsiolkas depicted so fascinatingly odious that it was compelling. The milieu that Edwards depicts in The Herd, however, I simply found emotionally immature and trite.
January 25, 2022
What an amazingly timely story! Revolving around childhood vaccinations and hesitations, it fits perfectly into the COVID vaccine debates currently being thrown around. The story focuses on two families on the same street who became friends originally through the wives, Elizabeth and Bryony. The two are polar opposites - Elizabeth is total type A, controlling and confident while Bryony is a bit granola, free-spirited and less assuming. The two balance each other out.
The story, set in the UK, starts out with a brief history of Elizabeth and Bry's friendship, their families and their spots in the community. Elizabeth has three children, the youngest named Clemmy, who has had some health issues. Bry has one daughter, and an autistic brother who has been in a home since he was 16. This background is essential to the story and the controversial stances of to vaccinate or not. Bry has grown up with a mother who is convinced that her child, Bry's brother, was fine until his MMR vaccine. To say she is a non-vaxer is an understatement. Her beliefs have been ingrained into Bry since childhood. Elizabeth, on the opposite side of the argument, was not able to vaccinate Clemmy due to her health issues and is adamant that anyone who can get vaccinated must be in order to protect those who can't be.
There are two distinct sides in this story, just as there are in real life. Reminiscent of a Jodi Picoult novel, Emily Edwards does a great job of showing the reader both sides of this subject. Seen through the thoughts and eyes of both Elizabeth and Bry, the reader feels sympathy and understanding toward both. When tragedy strikes one of their children and they find themselves on opposite sides of a fight, their friendship is torn apart. Each woman is a Mama bear - doing what they feel is the best thing for their children.
"Anger, he now knows, is so much easier to feel than sadness."
I thought this story was well thought out and executed. I saw the faults, the strengths, the weaknesses and the emotion in both mothers and both families. The character development was top notch. Not just in the mothers, but also in the fathers and in a few other characters who played a larger role. In a story like this, there can't be an outcome that will be perfect so I loved that this book didn't try to wrap everything up in a nice bow. It was realistic and still satisfying. I definitely recommend and would not hesitate to read another book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for the ARC to read and review. Pub date 2.3.22.
The story, set in the UK, starts out with a brief history of Elizabeth and Bry's friendship, their families and their spots in the community. Elizabeth has three children, the youngest named Clemmy, who has had some health issues. Bry has one daughter, and an autistic brother who has been in a home since he was 16. This background is essential to the story and the controversial stances of to vaccinate or not. Bry has grown up with a mother who is convinced that her child, Bry's brother, was fine until his MMR vaccine. To say she is a non-vaxer is an understatement. Her beliefs have been ingrained into Bry since childhood. Elizabeth, on the opposite side of the argument, was not able to vaccinate Clemmy due to her health issues and is adamant that anyone who can get vaccinated must be in order to protect those who can't be.
There are two distinct sides in this story, just as there are in real life. Reminiscent of a Jodi Picoult novel, Emily Edwards does a great job of showing the reader both sides of this subject. Seen through the thoughts and eyes of both Elizabeth and Bry, the reader feels sympathy and understanding toward both. When tragedy strikes one of their children and they find themselves on opposite sides of a fight, their friendship is torn apart. Each woman is a Mama bear - doing what they feel is the best thing for their children.
"Anger, he now knows, is so much easier to feel than sadness."
I thought this story was well thought out and executed. I saw the faults, the strengths, the weaknesses and the emotion in both mothers and both families. The character development was top notch. Not just in the mothers, but also in the fathers and in a few other characters who played a larger role. In a story like this, there can't be an outcome that will be perfect so I loved that this book didn't try to wrap everything up in a nice bow. It was realistic and still satisfying. I definitely recommend and would not hesitate to read another book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for the ARC to read and review. Pub date 2.3.22.
May 17, 2022
This'll teach me to add books to my "To read list" without properly reading the blurb or reviews!
This has well over 4 stars on the ratings, which is usually an indication of a great book. While I don't dispute this is an important and timely topic (vaccination), the story was created solely to deliver a debate on vaccination. I am a scientist and a strong proponent of vaccination, but I don't want a story about vaccination, with some characters thrown in, I want a story about some engrossing characters with a strong plot that happens to involve vaccination.
Perhaps some people will find this interesting, and deep and controversial - unfortunately for me it was vapid and superficial, but I will admit to being curious enough to finish it to find the outcome of the court case.
This has well over 4 stars on the ratings, which is usually an indication of a great book. While I don't dispute this is an important and timely topic (vaccination), the story was created solely to deliver a debate on vaccination. I am a scientist and a strong proponent of vaccination, but I don't want a story about vaccination, with some characters thrown in, I want a story about some engrossing characters with a strong plot that happens to involve vaccination.
Perhaps some people will find this interesting, and deep and controversial - unfortunately for me it was vapid and superficial, but I will admit to being curious enough to finish it to find the outcome of the court case.
August 14, 2022
3.5 stars. A good story and it was very intruiging reading about such big current topic and I definitely want to read more about this kinds of things. While the plot was good, I didn't quite connected with the characters but still enjoyed it and interested in reading more by Emily Edwards
May 15, 2022
I really disliked most elements of this book, and only kept going because I wanted to see if the guess I’d made within a few pages at the start was going to play out. I was right. Everything about this screams vacuous, self centred middle class women who martyr themselves to their children and have to question everything and everyone. The kids are annoying and lisp, the men are absent or belittled, the friends are all eco warriors who jump on whatever hippy bandwagon is rolling through town today. I know plenty of women like this and they annoy me in real life too. As if something like this would end up in court, were it not for the wealthy entitled classes. It was ridiculous. Maybe if you know less about the world of vaccines and vaccination you might enjoy it more, but seeing as that’s basically my entire winter job, I could see the hole in the plot coming. Not very good.
March 5, 2022
Don’t bother - one of the worst written books I have ever read. It is full of one dimensional characters and medical inaccuracies.
February 3, 2022
This is a book that could easily suggest, upon reading the synopsis that there will be two camps of thought: A versus B, black versus white, yay versus nay. Be prepared to ditch the extreme views and accept that in life nothing is that clear cut.
A masterpiece of emotional nuance, this novel makes you think. It challenges pre-conceived attitudes and beliefs and it turns your heart upside down and inside out.
Through the characters' friendships and past experiences we learn how others' opinions can colour our own, how we can and hear only what we want to see and hear, and in doing so how muddied and murky the vibrant kaleidoscope of life's rainbow colours can be stained a murky brown, affecting our decision making to the extreme.
You can feel the tension and the heartbreak, the madness and the pain as Bry and Elizabeth battle a dilemma, to vaccinate their girls or not. And in pursuing their own individual wars precious things are lost. The only way forward in the end is to have the courage to dip the paintbrush in the water, to swirl the bristles and clear the the murky brown to decide which bright, bold colour to paint the beginnings of a new picture.
The Herd is a book welll worth reading. Will you follow the crowd or stand out on your own?
A masterpiece of emotional nuance, this novel makes you think. It challenges pre-conceived attitudes and beliefs and it turns your heart upside down and inside out.
Through the characters' friendships and past experiences we learn how others' opinions can colour our own, how we can and hear only what we want to see and hear, and in doing so how muddied and murky the vibrant kaleidoscope of life's rainbow colours can be stained a murky brown, affecting our decision making to the extreme.
You can feel the tension and the heartbreak, the madness and the pain as Bry and Elizabeth battle a dilemma, to vaccinate their girls or not. And in pursuing their own individual wars precious things are lost. The only way forward in the end is to have the courage to dip the paintbrush in the water, to swirl the bristles and clear the the murky brown to decide which bright, bold colour to paint the beginnings of a new picture.
The Herd is a book welll worth reading. Will you follow the crowd or stand out on your own?
October 27, 2021
Who doesn't have an opinion on the topic of vaccination? Even if you thought you were neutral two years ago, it's hard to imagine that anybody hasn't had to think about this. The Herd addresses many of these issues, mixes in truth and lies between couples and between friends, and plays with the readers' emotions. It's rather clever. It also reminds me of Jodi Picoult and Liane Moriarty books so much that every time it reminded me that the book was set in the UK, I had to remind myself it wasn't them.
Two friends - Bry and Elizabeth - both have young daughters who are good friends. Elizabeth's daughter can't be vaccinated due to fits in early childhood so her mother relies on the concept of 'herd immunity' to keep her safe. Bry has never told her friend that her daughter ISN'T vaccinated because Bry's adult brother has severe autism and Bry's mother had spent all her parental life drumming into Bry that Matty, her brother, was damaged by the MMR vaccine.
When something terrible happens to Elizabeth's daughter, she is hot on the trail of somebody to blame. Now isn't that a very 21st century approach? The couples end up in court fighting over culpability.
Scattered between the two women's stories are inputs from others - those others being rather a mixed bunch of seemingly unrelated people. It takes a while to figure out that the are unrelated as they just appear in italics without names or descriptions. We have a woman with polio, an online troll who loves seeding arguments and pouring oil on the flames, and a bunch of other women (I think they are all women) each throwing in their few pennies worth. It's a bit odd.
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's clever. It's less manipulative than I expected, but somehow a book about vaccination that ISN'T about Covid getting released in the middle of a global pandemic already feels a bit like it's missing the zeitgeist. Interesting ideas, different perspectives, and quite a good pace all make this well worth a read.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my review copy.
Two friends - Bry and Elizabeth - both have young daughters who are good friends. Elizabeth's daughter can't be vaccinated due to fits in early childhood so her mother relies on the concept of 'herd immunity' to keep her safe. Bry has never told her friend that her daughter ISN'T vaccinated because Bry's adult brother has severe autism and Bry's mother had spent all her parental life drumming into Bry that Matty, her brother, was damaged by the MMR vaccine.
When something terrible happens to Elizabeth's daughter, she is hot on the trail of somebody to blame. Now isn't that a very 21st century approach? The couples end up in court fighting over culpability.
Scattered between the two women's stories are inputs from others - those others being rather a mixed bunch of seemingly unrelated people. It takes a while to figure out that the are unrelated as they just appear in italics without names or descriptions. We have a woman with polio, an online troll who loves seeding arguments and pouring oil on the flames, and a bunch of other women (I think they are all women) each throwing in their few pennies worth. It's a bit odd.
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's clever. It's less manipulative than I expected, but somehow a book about vaccination that ISN'T about Covid getting released in the middle of a global pandemic already feels a bit like it's missing the zeitgeist. Interesting ideas, different perspectives, and quite a good pace all make this well worth a read.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my review copy.
September 13, 2023
Elizabeth and Bryony have been best friends since university even though their personalities are poles apart. They are godparents to each other's daughters and they trust that the safety of their children is both their top priority.
Bryony afraid to be judged tells what is supposed to be a harmless white lie before a children's birthday party. The consequences are more dangerous than she could ever have imagined!!
I loved this book it was very thought provoking with a relevant topic that kept me fully engaged throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review..
Bryony afraid to be judged tells what is supposed to be a harmless white lie before a children's birthday party. The consequences are more dangerous than she could ever have imagined!!
I loved this book it was very thought provoking with a relevant topic that kept me fully engaged throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review..
August 2, 2022
Rating 2.5 stars
There was a lot of potential for this book. What happens when two friends disagree on one fundamental issue and it hurts someone they love? Elizabeth and Bryony have always been unlikely friends but they have always made it work. That is until Bryony makes one decision that changes all of their lives. The two women have different opinions on vaccines. It's not something that has been an issue for them until one fateful day. A quick decision and a half-truth have bitter consequences that will see the two women on opposite sides of a battle that goes far beyond two mothers.
Despite my excitement for this book, I ended up disappointed. Firstly, I don't think the structure really added anything to the story. The narrative is split between Elizabeth and Byrony's perspectives leading up to the big events but it is also split up by the POVs of bystanders after everything kicked off. These little mini-chapters were interesting and I think it would have been fun to see the story told through these snippets. Added together with the other perspectives, they just ruined the pace a bit. I know that this was intended to build suspense and create mystery. I just don't think it was necessary. It's not as if we don't know where this is going.
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.
Overall, this isn't a terrible book but I can't pretend I was as engaged as I'd expected. It wasn't as emotionally fraught or dramatic as I'd prepared myself for. It was just a relatively tame portrait of a contentious issue. Rather than being a hard-hitting narrative I'd hoped for, it was all just very basic. The characters weren't really developed beyond their initial stereotypes, the portrayal of marriage seems particularly outdated and the story doesn't delve into the topic at all. The Herd is surface level. I definitely wanted more from this one.
There was a lot of potential for this book. What happens when two friends disagree on one fundamental issue and it hurts someone they love? Elizabeth and Bryony have always been unlikely friends but they have always made it work. That is until Bryony makes one decision that changes all of their lives. The two women have different opinions on vaccines. It's not something that has been an issue for them until one fateful day. A quick decision and a half-truth have bitter consequences that will see the two women on opposite sides of a battle that goes far beyond two mothers.
Despite my excitement for this book, I ended up disappointed. Firstly, I don't think the structure really added anything to the story. The narrative is split between Elizabeth and Byrony's perspectives leading up to the big events but it is also split up by the POVs of bystanders after everything kicked off. These little mini-chapters were interesting and I think it would have been fun to see the story told through these snippets. Added together with the other perspectives, they just ruined the pace a bit. I know that this was intended to build suspense and create mystery. I just don't think it was necessary. It's not as if we don't know where this is going.
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.
Overall, this isn't a terrible book but I can't pretend I was as engaged as I'd expected. It wasn't as emotionally fraught or dramatic as I'd prepared myself for. It was just a relatively tame portrait of a contentious issue. Rather than being a hard-hitting narrative I'd hoped for, it was all just very basic. The characters weren't really developed beyond their initial stereotypes, the portrayal of marriage seems particularly outdated and the story doesn't delve into the topic at all. The Herd is surface level. I definitely wanted more from this one.
March 26, 2022
Two families lives are changed forever when Bryony tells what is supposed to be a white lie before a child's birthday party. This small lie will have consequences so huge, they could never have began to imagine...
What a fantastic book! This is going to get a lot of people talking, a lot of heated discussions. This is actually quite relevant to the world at the moment with the covid vaccine. Huge debates over safety and why people should and shouldn't have it. This is definitely going to be a must read for 2022!
What a fantastic book! This is going to get a lot of people talking, a lot of heated discussions. This is actually quite relevant to the world at the moment with the covid vaccine. Huge debates over safety and why people should and shouldn't have it. This is definitely going to be a must read for 2022!
May 3, 2022
2.5 Stars.
December 9, 2024
Wow! A story about whether or not to vaccinate, only this takes place in 2019 BC—Before Covid. Interesting takes on both sides.
March 17, 2023
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Herd by Emily Edwards tackles the subject of childhood vaccines and the issue of vaccinating your child or not, it’s a timely reminder about the safety of children and trust.
I went into this one blind and was shocked by the catastrophic event in the story. The story is an emotional domestic drama and presents a thought provoking and topical subject.
The author shows two sides in this story, two families lives are changed forever. Mothers and best friends Bryony and Elizabeth are polar opposites and live in the same street. They are godmothers to each others daughters.
A white lie told just before Elizabeth’s young daughters birthday party takes an unimaginable turn.
The characters were strong and well executed and the research meticulous. The balance the author gives to both sides of the story is just perfect. The court case wrapped up with a great twist I didn’t see coming.
This is a brilliant book for a buddy read that will encourage discussion. Thanks to all the lovely readers who read along with me.
Incredibly well written and highly recommended read!
Publication Date 03 February 2022
Publisher Bantam Press
The Herd by Emily Edwards tackles the subject of childhood vaccines and the issue of vaccinating your child or not, it’s a timely reminder about the safety of children and trust.
I went into this one blind and was shocked by the catastrophic event in the story. The story is an emotional domestic drama and presents a thought provoking and topical subject.
The author shows two sides in this story, two families lives are changed forever. Mothers and best friends Bryony and Elizabeth are polar opposites and live in the same street. They are godmothers to each others daughters.
A white lie told just before Elizabeth’s young daughters birthday party takes an unimaginable turn.
The characters were strong and well executed and the research meticulous. The balance the author gives to both sides of the story is just perfect. The court case wrapped up with a great twist I didn’t see coming.
This is a brilliant book for a buddy read that will encourage discussion. Thanks to all the lovely readers who read along with me.
Incredibly well written and highly recommended read!
Publication Date 03 February 2022
Publisher Bantam Press
January 13, 2022
The Herd is on the surface a story that examines whether a parent's choice on whether to vaccinate their child is valid when if they choose not to, they risk harm to other's who don't have that choice. Beneath the surface this is a story of friendship, grief and coping mechanisms. It is about the pressures heaped on parent's who for the most part are trying to do right by their child.
The book was engaging despite the two key protagonists having aspects to their characters which did them no favours. Elizabeth is the busy, organised mother of three, whilst Bryony is far more disorganised mother of one, and part-time parent to her husband's two sons from his former marriage.
The book is told through both parties viewpoints in 2019 with sections designated to a trial held at the end of that year. and in my opinion is one of those books which is best read without too much forewarning.
An incisive book that by dint of timing is very relevant today!
The book was engaging despite the two key protagonists having aspects to their characters which did them no favours. Elizabeth is the busy, organised mother of three, whilst Bryony is far more disorganised mother of one, and part-time parent to her husband's two sons from his former marriage.
The book is told through both parties viewpoints in 2019 with sections designated to a trial held at the end of that year. and in my opinion is one of those books which is best read without too much forewarning.
An incisive book that by dint of timing is very relevant today!
November 8, 2022
I knew it would have vaccines as a topic, but didn’t expect it to be only about vaccines. Characters were one dimensional and stereotypical, and I don’t know, it all felt like it was written a case study for an ethics class and not as a novel. At the half way mark I started just skimming through because it became tiring reading about the same stuff from slightly different viewpoints and most of it was very predictable. I also got confused at first about the cursive chapters, it took me a while to understand they were all different voices of people following the case in court. Another thing that confused me was the big point made about the birthday party and the email. The kids were around each other all the time at school, and some of the same kids were also at the barbecue the week before without any issue, so why the focus on the birthday party?
May 27, 2022
Absolute tosh. Contrived characters and plot holes you could drive a bus through. Threw up some interesting points for book group discussion.
October 18, 2022
Why can’t I give minus stars, not sure how I finished this book, it was painful. Not my thing at all but if you have an interest in vaccinations and children and annoying women you will love it
February 6, 2022
At a time when the Covid-19 vaccine debate is raging, Emily Edwards even-handed and emotive family drama tackles another just as hotly contested vaccination debate with its focus on those given exclusively to children. Probing when social responsibility takes precedence over the “my child, my choice” argument, this is a book ready made for discussion.
As unlikely a pairing as they may be, middle-class mothers organised Elizabeth and laid-back Bry have been the best of friends for over twenty years after meeting at university. Now as neighbours in the village of Farley and godmother to each other’s children they know they don’t see eye to eye on every issue, but it’s never got in the way of their love and loyalty to one another and their families. Elizabeth and husband Jack’s youngest child, Clemmie, is about to turn seven but due to seizures as a baby, and on the advice of her doctor, she wasn’t able to have the standard childhood vaccinations and, as such, relies on those around her being immunised for her own protection. When already neurotic Elizabeth reads an article in the national news about a child dying of measles and learns that local vaccination rates are at an all time low in Farley, she fires off an email to the parents of Clemmie’s party guests querying their vaccination status. Bry has been conditioned to be fearful of vaccines due to her mother’s belief that her severely autistic and non-verbal elder brother’s condition was a direct result of receiving the MMR vaccine and, as a consequence her daughter Alba is unvaccinated. Whilst Elizabeth might suspect that this is the case, Bry’s response to her message isn’t entirely transparent and when Clemmie’s party has tragic consequences for one family, blame is quick to be apportioned. As the fallout tears apart their friendship and ignites fury in the local community with one family pilloried for their lack of social responsibility and foresight, for the other family, justice means taking the case to court.
Alongside a narrative that gives the point-of-view of all four parents but primarily concentrates on both mothers, the story is intercut with brief excerpts featuring the views of a cast of anonymous individuals protesting outside the courtroom who, by dint of personal experience, have an strong opinion on the debate. While these snapshots occasionally feel heavy-handed and superfluous given how coherently Emily Edwards presents the issues in the wider narrative, they serve to illustrate what a contentious topic this is and the harrowing consequences that can ensue when things go awry. Neither Elizabeth or Bry are particularly likeable or warm characters and this actually works to the benefit of the novel as I found it allowed me to be all the more objective about the situation that transpired and the raw vulnerability that it exposes in both women. That both Elizabeth and Bry have valid and completely understandable reasons for their individual stances makes this an all the more involving read. The late twist was something that I did no foresee and it is testament to the quality and maturity of the writing that it does not feel gimmicky in the slightest and in fact makes sense of everything. I am not even a parent yet was fully invested in this compelling, compassionate and quietly devastating novel.
As unlikely a pairing as they may be, middle-class mothers organised Elizabeth and laid-back Bry have been the best of friends for over twenty years after meeting at university. Now as neighbours in the village of Farley and godmother to each other’s children they know they don’t see eye to eye on every issue, but it’s never got in the way of their love and loyalty to one another and their families. Elizabeth and husband Jack’s youngest child, Clemmie, is about to turn seven but due to seizures as a baby, and on the advice of her doctor, she wasn’t able to have the standard childhood vaccinations and, as such, relies on those around her being immunised for her own protection. When already neurotic Elizabeth reads an article in the national news about a child dying of measles and learns that local vaccination rates are at an all time low in Farley, she fires off an email to the parents of Clemmie’s party guests querying their vaccination status. Bry has been conditioned to be fearful of vaccines due to her mother’s belief that her severely autistic and non-verbal elder brother’s condition was a direct result of receiving the MMR vaccine and, as a consequence her daughter Alba is unvaccinated. Whilst Elizabeth might suspect that this is the case, Bry’s response to her message isn’t entirely transparent and when Clemmie’s party has tragic consequences for one family, blame is quick to be apportioned. As the fallout tears apart their friendship and ignites fury in the local community with one family pilloried for their lack of social responsibility and foresight, for the other family, justice means taking the case to court.
Alongside a narrative that gives the point-of-view of all four parents but primarily concentrates on both mothers, the story is intercut with brief excerpts featuring the views of a cast of anonymous individuals protesting outside the courtroom who, by dint of personal experience, have an strong opinion on the debate. While these snapshots occasionally feel heavy-handed and superfluous given how coherently Emily Edwards presents the issues in the wider narrative, they serve to illustrate what a contentious topic this is and the harrowing consequences that can ensue when things go awry. Neither Elizabeth or Bry are particularly likeable or warm characters and this actually works to the benefit of the novel as I found it allowed me to be all the more objective about the situation that transpired and the raw vulnerability that it exposes in both women. That both Elizabeth and Bry have valid and completely understandable reasons for their individual stances makes this an all the more involving read. The late twist was something that I did no foresee and it is testament to the quality and maturity of the writing that it does not feel gimmicky in the slightest and in fact makes sense of everything. I am not even a parent yet was fully invested in this compelling, compassionate and quietly devastating novel.
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