The Herd by Emily Edwards

 

Bry (Bryony) and Elizabeth are the best of friends. They live close to each other, their families socialise together and their young daughters are very similar in age. Elizabeth's daughter, Clemmie, was seriously ill as a baby and because of this is unable to have the usual vaccinations that young children have. In an effort to keep her daughter safe Elizabeth is determined to ensure that Clemmie only has close contact with other children who are vaccinated. When Clemmie catches measles and becomes seriously ill Elizabeth soon realises that her best friend hasn't been as honest as she thought.

The Herd has a very emotive storyline, particularly in the current climate. It was extremely difficult not to have bias when reading this novel however the author has done an excellent job of conveying both sides of the argument. Interspersed throughout the novel are the points of view of people involved in the story as well as complete strangers and this allows us to see the views of other people.

I couldn't warm to either of the female lead characters. Bry was too hippie-ish and flighty, whereas Elizabeth was too controlling and measured. I felt the characters were too different to be best friends, however their natures were required to drive the plot. 

There are lots of moral issues raised and this novel would make an excellent book club choice.

The Herd by Emily Edwards will be published in hardback, ebook and audio format on 3rd February 2022. My thanks to NetGalley for an early release copy for review.