The Herd: the unputdownable must-read Richard & Judy book club pick of 2022

Description

A STANDOUT BOOK CLUB NOVEL. Unputdownable and thought-provoking, THE HERD probes the fine line between individual choice and collective responsibility. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and THE SLAP. 'Gripping, thought-provoking, moving and oh-so-topical, THE HERD tackles the most divisive parenting issue of our age with skill and compassion. Fans of Jodi Picoult will DEVOUR it.' Tammy Cohen You should never judge how someone chooses to raise their child. 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 trust that the safety of their children is both of their top priority. But what if their choice could harm your own child? Little do they know that they differ 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 . . .

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.

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 * Controversial, addictive and clever, and the characters are so multi-layered and complex they are wholly believable. * Woman & Home * 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 * Fans of Liane Moriarty will love it! * Stella * Will have book clubs across the country in hot debate! Brilliant. * Clare Mackintosh *