Super-organised, methodical Elizabeth and bohemian Bryony “ weren’t exactly chalk and cheese; more like cheese and pineapple - a weird, unexpected pairing that just worked”. Close friends and now neighbours, they’re godmothers to one another’s daughters, and have found a way to balance each of their differences, except on one big issue - vaccinating their daughters. The unravelling of their friendship begins with a birthday party and ends up with tragic consequences, explosive public show-downs and unexpected revelations. Powerful, pertinent stuff. Wow! What an incredible book, and so timely. I was riveted! Really beautifully written, compassionately told and incredibly thought provoking. A truly immersive telling of both sides of a story. ― Susan Lewis 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. 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

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...Johan Anderberg is a Swedish journalist and writer who has been a regular contributor to a number of Swedish and international media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal . His upcoming book The Herd , which chronicles the Swedish strategy to battle COVID-19, will be published in Sweden by Albert Bonniers Förlag in the spring of 2021, and in the US, the UK, and Australia and New Zealand by Scribe in 2022. On the other hand however, the author has produced a book that is pretty sympathetic to the anti-vaxx movement and reeks of privilege. I got well and truly into this story. Focusing around the main two characters (mothers /friends) and could definitely see both sides. Controversial, addictive and clever, and the characters are so multi-layered and complex they are wholly believable. ― Woman & Home

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. Emily Edwards has effectively and compassionately raised awareness for not just one side of this 'debate', but both which I will always say is an extremely hard concept to master. Her writing is simple yet intellectual which fit perfectly for me as this was the first novel I had ever read around this topic. I am yet to be a parent so I can only imagine what lengths a parent would go to to lessen that overwhelming sense to protect their child. As the story unfolded I found myself empathising with both Bry and Elizabeth because at the end of the day, they both wanted to do the same thing which was to do what they saw as the best way to give their child the protection all parents want to give.The book is essentially a discussion over whether to vaccinate or not; it’s well written and an encompassing read which you won’t want to put down. This doesn’t conclude on either side of the argument but instead presents a well-researched view on both sides. This is like a Jodi Picoult novel, courageous discussing controversial subjects. It also worked through some of the myths surrounding MMR and autism.

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. It is hard to imagine a more timely novel than The Herd, which explores vaccination and weighs personal freedom against public health. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issue. - Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author of WISH YOU WERE HERE 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 can't remember the last time I gave a book a 5 star rating - but this actually is so much better than I expected it to be. It's thought out and each view and opinion is balanced and well constructed.I loved this book it was very thought provoking with a relevant topic that kept me fully engaged throughout. It is hard to imagine a more timely novel. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issue. ' Jodi Picoult 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.

A member of the book club I am part of chose this book. I really enjoyed it. Easy to get into from the start. It certainly made me think about how much trust I have previously given to medical professionals; as well as friends and colleagues.

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 🤗 ) The Swedish COVID-19 strategy was alternately lauded and held up as a cautionary tale by international governments and journalists alike ― with all eyes on what has been dubbed ‘The Swedish Experiment’. But what made Sweden take such a different path? 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.