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

Emily Edwards

Feb 2022 · Random House

About this ebook

THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER

'It is hard to imagine a more timely novel. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issue.' Jodi Picoult

'A knock-out twist' Gillian McAllister

'Will have book clubs across the country in hot debate! Brilliant.' Clare Mackintosh

****

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 . . .

****

'Compelling and nuanced. A hugely impressive page-turner' Ashley Audrain

'Really beautifully written, compassionately told and incredibly thought provoking. A truly immersive telling of both sides of a story' Susan Lewis

'Insightful, compassionate and nuanced. The Herd is so good.' Louise O'Neill

'A genuine rollercoaster that asks big moral questions with beautifully drawn characters.' Sharon Horgan, co-creator of CATASTROPHE


Here's what readers are saying about The Herd:
'A timely and dramatic novel showing both sides of an ongoing debate. Loved this read!' *****
'Such a genuine tale with such high stakes emotion and sensitivity' *****
'A fantastic, thought-provoking and gripping book which would make a cracking book club read' *****
'A complex, layered, wholly character-driven look at a complicated and controversial subject' *****

Ratings and reviews

Oh, the great pro/anti vaxxers debate, and the fragility of friendship! I liked it. I liked how it didn't feel preachy or didactic. It felt honest, fair, and didn't shy away from any of the arguments frequently thrown up about vaccines (f*** Andrew Wakefield, seriously!). A perfect choice if you're part of a bookclub; plenty of debate and discussion to be found here.

a very good read.

About the author

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. The inspiration for The Herd came when she was eight months pregnant with her first son, and her husband and their vaccine-hesitant doula had an impassioned 'debate' about vaccination in their garden. As she sat there with her hands over her huge stomach listening to them both, Emily realized this was an issue which impacts us all and that it would make a brilliant topic for a novel.