The Herd

By: Emily Edwards

Narrated by: Olivia Darnley

Brought to you by Penguin.

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

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 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 . . .

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

'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

© Emily Edwards 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Critic reviews

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

Controversial, addictive and clever, and the characters are so multi-layered and complex they are wholly believable.

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.

Fans of Liane Moriarty will love it!

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

Echoes of The Slap

Smart, empathetic and with a knock-out twist.

A must-read about how our individual choices can directly affect those around us.

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

A timely novel, we were completely gripped

Compelling

I’m on a roll of great listens at the moment and this was no exception. Vaccination is an emotive subject and has become even more so over the last few years so I was expecting to find myself drawn to one side over the other in line with my own beliefs. However, the author managed to present the situation in a way that made me feel empathy towards pretty much everyone involved and I surprised myself at times. I enjoyed this more challenging aspect of the book,

The narration was excellent too.

Easy to listen and thought provoking

I enjoyed this book, it was easy to follow and thought provoking. I’ve recommended it multiple times to friends.