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. 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. 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. 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 . . .

Discuss the theme of responsibility in the novel. Do you think the characters are justified in acting in the way they do? Would you have made the same choices had you been in their place? 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 Think about the events leading up to the birthday party. Could the drama that develops from that moment have been prevented? Which characters are to blame for the way in which the tragedy unfolds? 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.

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My biggest gripe is that around 2/3 of the way through the book I felt that the theme changed – up to this point the focus was on the grey areas of the pro/anti vaccination argument and highlighting why people can become so entrenched in their beliefs that they lose the ability to talk and think about things objectively, and how people can find themselves in a stalemate with people they care about and not be able to see a compromise. These are themes that are so important in current times and are drawn out really well. Elizabeth felt like afailure at both work and as amum trying to have both. Yet the husbands worked and were parents. Do you think they also felt like failures or expected their wives to take responsibility for the childcare? Personal freedom versus public health. Who gets to decide (and judge) how you raise your own children? How do you know (and choose) what’s right? What happens when your choices have an impact on others? How do we reconcile societal needs and values with personal beliefs and fears? Such questions are at the heart of Emily Edwards’ The Herd, a thought-provoking debut that’s sure to spark big debate as it sets readers off on a heady emotional rollercoaster, with unexpected revelations as it builds to a thrilling, moving climax.

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. As we’ve seen recently with the difference of opinions over the covid vaccine between those who are pro-vaccination’ and ‘anxi-vaxxers’, there are millions of different perceptions as to what’s right and what’s wrong, and there are many, many different stages in between. Although this book doesn’t focus on the Covid vaccine, rather the MMR vaccinations given to pre-school children, it covers a lot of the same issues, fears and recriminations, and expectations of personal body autonomy and choice that have been raised and discussed in many different ways in the last couple of years.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 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. 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. 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

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. 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: 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. That it until the issue of childhood vaccinations rears its head, and along with it the thorny debate over whether our choice to vaccinate is personal – or one that affects the whole community.The Herd, Emily Edwards, is a fantastic, timely novel of friendships, choices and what happens when things go horribly wrong due to our choices. Superbly written and a well balanced view of both sides of vaccination and anti vaccination. Emily has done her research, and in turn this novel is a must read! It had me from the get go, and released me 5 hours later when I completed it. Perfect for book clubs who will definitely want to discuss this one much further! Five stars! Rebecca, TAS, 5 Stars A well-timed examination of the vaccine “debate” that covers the whole spectrum of thought and opinion. The Herd encourages you to take an empathetic look at the reasoning behind people’s decisions, both pro and against, as well as the murky waters between. Teagan, SA, 4 Stars When was the last time you heard of someone contracting polio in this country?’ Sophie asked, still calm, still smiling.