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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. It is hard to imagine a more timely novel than The Herd, which explores vaccination and weighs personal freedom against public health. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issue. - Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author of WISH YOU WERE HERE
Had me so gripped I raced through it in two days. A story about parenting decisions, betrayal and friendships - guaranteed to spark lively conversations with everyone who reads it. Sarah Turner, The Unmumsy Mum 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. It took maybe 10% to get into it, its full of yummee mummee and posy dadee characters that I couldn’t relate to but as the story progresses that doesn’t matter so much as the story builds 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 HorganGreat concept/theme – I was worried about it being a bit too much in the pandemic context, but pleasantly surprised. An even-handed approach, which was refreshing. You are able to empathise with most of the characters, although their flaws are well highlighted! For fans of The Slap, although I found it a little less relatable, being set in the UK. Anusha, VIC, 3 Stars
Through the characters' friendships and past experiences we learn how others' opinions can colour our own, how we can and hear only what we want to see and hear, and in doing so how muddied and murky the vibrant kaleidoscope of life's rainbow colours can be stained a murky brown, affecting our decision making to the extreme. 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? 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.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. If your book club is looking for something special then you need look no further. I'd like to thank the publishers for letting Bookbag have a review copy. Beautiful writing, a smart (and timely) premise, real and flawed characters with messy lives, and an unexpected, brilliant twist. I loved it. Nikki May
Do you agree with the statement that there is no competition between friends if they are different?Controversial, addictive and clever, and the characters are so multi-layered and complex they are wholly believable. Woman & Home 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?
We have chosen to vaccinate our sons and I believe it was the right thing to do; both for us and to help protect others. That doesn’t mean I didn’t dread the moment the needle entered their soft bodies. But I knew it would be infinitely worse to watch them contract measles, meningitis or whooping cough – knowing I could have prevented their suffering. A white lie told just before Elizabeth’s young daughters birthday party takes an unimaginable turn. 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?This is a brilliant book for a buddy read that will encourage discussion. Thanks to all the lovely readers who read along with me. 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.
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