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  • Published: 10 January 2023
  • ISBN: 9781529176919
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $26.00

The Herd

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




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.

Two best friends

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.

One little secret

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.

Every parent's worst nightmare . . .

  • Published: 10 January 2023
  • ISBN: 9781529176919
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $26.00

About the author

Emily Edwards

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.

Praise for The Herd

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

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

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 Horgan

Insightful, compassionate and nuanced. The Herd is so good.

Louise O'Neill

I absolutely loved The Herd. Timely, thought-provoking and compulsively readable.

Laura Marshall

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

Clare Mackintosh

The Herd is a wonderful book, skilfully written, compassionate and balanced. It grips from the start and doesn't let go, sending us on a journey that's both timely and controversial, through masterful storytelling, brilliantly drawn characters and huge swathes of emotion.

Jenny Quintana

The Herd is an absorbing novel with superb characterisation and packed with emotion. Two families find themselves at odds over whether to vaccinate their children and so unfolds the devastating effects those individual choices have on family and friendship. I was utterly gripped from start to finish.

Olivia Kiernan

Beautiful writing, a smart (and timely) premise, real and flawed characters with messy lives, and an unexpected, brilliant twist. I loved it.

Nikki May

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

A story of friendship, fear and modern family life, The Herd is an astonishingly prescient thriller about the damage that can result from parenting anxieties. This is a story that will get under your skin and live on in your mind long after you have finished reading the last page.

Caroline Kirby

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

Smart, empathetic and with a knock-out twist.

Gillian McAllister

THE HERD is a tense and provocative exploration of parental friendship tangled in one of the most controversial topics of our time. Compelling and nuanced, this hugely impressive page-turner will have readers desperate to discuss: what would they do?'

Ashley Audrain, bestselling author of THE PUSH

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

Woman & Home

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

Cosmopolitan

Echoes of The Slap

Stylist

Fans of Liane Moriarty will love it!

Stella

A timely novel, we were completely gripped

Closer

This emotional roller-coaster asks huge moral questions without preaching.

Sunday Express

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The Herd book club notes

A standout book club novel. Unputdownable and thought-provoking.