The Herd: the thought-provoking and unputdownable must-read book club novel of 2022

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It is hard to imagine a more timely novel. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issu Elizabeth, Bry and others all take their turn at being sympathetic and deeply sanctimonious and annoying. I think the author did a great job of showing how easily people rile each other up on this issue. I am a fervent believer in vaccinations, but even I recoil from someone yelling in my face how I must do this and I must do that or I'm morally-challenged and selfish. I like how the author never presented this as good vs bad because, like most things, it's more complex than that. Bryony afraid to be judged tells what is supposed to be a harmless white lie before a children's birthday party. The consequences are more dangerous than she could ever have imagined!! 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 remember being rather appalled when the Nurse told me how many injections my new baby would need in just one appointment. I questioned that, but not the vaccination itself. How ironic the author had the idea for this book just prior to the pandemic !!

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.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. Elizabeth and Bryony have two completely different personalities. Elizabeth's daughter has an illness which means she should not be vaccinated and her parents have to rely on the herd immunity around them to keep Clementine safe. Elizabeth is quite vocal on the importance of being vaccinated. Bryony doesn't trust vaccines, so her daughter has not been vaccinated. This is quite relevant tp the current situation with covid. It's also quite an emotional read. This is a well written book that debates for and against vaccines.

Hmmmm, I almost didn’t read this when saw the blurb and realised it was all about vaccines and the title ‘The Herd’ related to herd immunity ( lesson learnt re reading blurb although It probably isen’t!) even more turned off when reading the authors info at the beginning it mentioned having a chat to her ‘doula’ had inspired the book ( google doula if not heard of them ) but an author friend who had read it convinced me to give it a go and all told am pleased didThere are very clever short chapters on people drawn into the story but not directly involved and their feelings on the matter ( which by now you can tell I am not going to mention 🤗 ) Each one desperately living their offspring. Mistakes easily made having a domino effect on another with consequences unforgivable. And, unfortunate. But with well meaning at that time. LoveReading exists because books change lives, and buying books through LoveReading means you get to change the lives of future generations, with 25% of the cover price donated to schools in need. Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives.