A standout book club novel. Unputdownable and thought-provoking.
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?
The Herd probes the fine line between individual choice and collective responsibility, making it a perfect book to discuss with your book club.
Discussion points and questions:
- The Herd follows Elizabeth and Bryony – two women with very different viewpoints and perspectives. Did you identify more with one character than the other? Why?
- 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?
- 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?
- Were there any moments you found unexpected or shocking?
- Think about the perspectives we are shown from people in and around the courtroom. How did these voices affect your reading of the novel? Did they make you consider any points of view different to your own?
- Were you surprised by how the final chapters played out? While you were reading, did you have any different ideas for how the novel might end?
An unputdownable Australian novel to read with your book club.
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