The Herd

The Herd

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

Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

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

Reviews

  • 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

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.
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