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 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. 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 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 Summary: I thought I was vaccined out, that I couldn't read another word about whether we should or we shouldn't. Then I read this brilliant book which explores the balance between social responsibility and personal choice. If your book club is looking for a top read, you need look no further.

The Herd is a very timely read just now with the ongoing pandemic and the hot topic on vaccinations. It follows Bry and Elizabeth who have an unlikely but close friendship, with different views on preventative healthcare for their children. I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would, and it was a refreshing take on vaccinations and the outcomes that may occur as vaccine numbers reduce for many countries. Gemma, WA, 4 Stars 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

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. Frankie Gray, publishing director at Transworld, pre-empted world English language rights in The Herdfrom Nelle Andrew at Rachel Mills Literary. I loved this book. It put me through the emotional wringer. A genuine rollercoaster that asks big moral questions with beautifully drawn characters who left me in tears but also full of hope Sharon Horgan Yes, absolutely we are. One hundred per cent yes,’ he said, without even looking my way. Sophie smiled her calm smile at him, the one I’d seen her use with her young kids. Set in 2019, prior to the pandemic, I think this book is definitely viewed through a very different lens than it would have been had it been released pre-Covid19 and having lived through the pandemic and the subsequent ‘vaccine wars’, it definitely elevates the themes within and adds a level of understanding and interpretation that might not have been there otherwise.

The plotting is superb. You're pulled down a path where you can understand why everyone takes the actions they do. You even suspect that you might have done the same yourself. You'll debate whether you should think of the potential harm which could be done to you or the harm which you might do to other people. Above all, you'll realise, as one character says, that there's risk inherent in every decision we make, in everything we do. I spoke to anyone who’d talk to me about vaccines. And beyond the noise of the anger, the outrage that people could be so ignorant, so selfish, so stupid, I’d noticed the same quiet panic I’d experienced that humid day in our garden. We all just want to do the right thing for those we love and we are terrified of getting it ‘wrong’. I hope I’ve managed to convey this in the novel. The Herd follows Elizabeth and Bryony – two women with very different viewpoints and perspectives. Did you identify more with one character than the other? Why? Ultimately though, I think the message is that there is no right or wrong answer to a question like vaccination. It’s all shades of grey and opinion but people aren’t willing to listen to the ‘other’. This book provoked one of the biggest reactions I’ve seen on The Pigeonhole online book club, from those on both sides of the vaccination debate and also right down the middle of the road. It’s well crafted, certainly an excellent debut and very definitely a book of our time.

A genuine rollercoaster that asks big moral questions with beautifully drawn characters.' Sharon Horgan, co-creator of CATASTROPHE When was the last time you heard of someone contracting polio in this country?’ Sophie asked, still calm, still smiling. After studying at Edinburgh University, Emily Edwards worked for a think tank in New York before returning to London where she worked as a support worker for vulnerable women at a large charity. She now lives in Lewes, East Sussex with her endlessly patient husband and her two endlessly energetic young sons. 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. 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.