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

I was interested in reading this book as the subject matter was something close to my heart. Many years ago my youngest child was taken seriously ill around the time he was due his vaccinations at 6 months old. It was a dilemma for me, vaccinate? or not vaccinate? The choice was taken out of my hands by the consultant paediatrician at the hospital where my son was treated.I should have been able to empathise with Elizabeth, but I didn't like her character at all, I actually had sympathy for Bryony although not keen on her character either really.I found the book very depressing & thought the the author's view of how other characters would behave toward the two mothers was overly influenced by how people reacted during the pandemic. As the story was set prior to Covid, I don't think people's reactions would have been so strong & vitriolic. I think that kind of behaviour & opinions was something only witnessed as the pandemic went on.I have still given 4 stars as I thought the writing was good, it made me feel angry & it made me feel sad, so it was strong enough to stir up those reactions in me. I also liked the little twist at the end.

I really enjoyed this book. The moral dilemma around vaccinating infants resonated with me. My youngest sons MMR was administered shortly after Dr Wakefield’s infamous and discredited research into its links with autism. I remember huge debates at the time and this is the crux of the story. 2 long term friends have differing views on vaccinating their children. Their opinions and subsequent actions have far reaching consequences . Some twists and turns along the way kept me hooked. Friendships and beliefs are tested well beyond usual parameters……fortunately I was able to devour this book in a 24 hour period. I didn’t want to put it down.

The Herd by Emily Edwards, two best friends two opposite opinions, MMR debate, great story had you hooked, great family characters. Paperback 4*, page turner, needed to know the outcome, plenty of late nights.

It was an enjoyable read in many respects, and did a decent job of showing some of the reasons why people may or may not vaccinate their children.

This is one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read for a long long time. I loved the characters and also disliked them equally. The end quite frankly took my breath away - and also made me cry. Absolutely fantastic- brilliantly told which touched on a very important topic. Thank you Emily Edwards.

Not an easy read, and forces lots of questions, but riveting. Not read a book so quickly in a long time. Glad my book club chose it as, based on subject matter, I wouldn’t have read it otherwise but glad I did.

I couldn’t put this book down. The vaccination debate was fascinating and I was able to see things from both characters points of views. Two lionesses protecting their babies. Every mum can relate to that feeling. An incredible read.

Being a person with asthma who has also had pleaurisy more than once and also gets long post viral fatigue,I have been very carefully since covid arrived.this book posed m any questions but no one ever talks about how big a risk is to bigger risk and it's not all about dieing is it?