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

To vaccinate, or not to vaccinate? This is a question many of us have to ask abut ourselves or more importantly, about our children. This story exposes the issue to a very personal-level scrutiny. It's easy to read and makes you think, and has some clever turns and twists to the story. Although the ending was not happy-clappy, there is a sense of resolution at the end.

As so many reviewers have said, the timing of this book is very apt. The vaccine debate is once more in the public's consciousness, this time raging around covid 19 vaccinations. How much responsibility does one owe to the rest of society when the decisions you take effects other people? The Herd tackles the subject of childhood vaccinations in a neutral but thorough way, with no judgement. Both sides are given a fair hearing, both are shown to be coming from a position of love for their child. Elizabeth and Bry are best friends, despite being chalk and cheese. God Mothers to each other daughters, both families are close. Elizabeth's daughter, Clemmie has not been vaccinated because of a series of febrile convulsions when she was a baby. She relies on herd immunity to keep her safe. Bry has been brought up to be terrified of vaccinations. Her brother is severely autistic and non verbal, his condition blamed by his mother on the MMR vaccine. Tragic events following a birthday party brings the world's of both these women crashing down. The story leads up to a court case where emotions run high and both sides feel sure they have right on their side. Interspersed within the main story are brief viewpoints from a variety of characters, that underline the depth of belief on each side. I admit to being invested in this story as I was unable to vaccinate one of my children for similar reasons, although she was eventually vaccinated when she started school. The Herd helped me to understand anti vaxers a little better, though not to agree with them. It is hard to be objective when the health of one's child is at stake. All in all this is well written and provides much food for thought. I would like to have read it as a buddy or book club read as there is so much I would have liked to discuss.

Interesting topic. It isn’t what I would normally read. The settings and characters weren’t for me but that’s about personal choice - I don’t read mainstream books. However the topic was a useful exploration of the vaccine debate. I’m sure this genre would be viewed as a good read by others.

I was interested in reading this book as the subject matter was something close to my heart. Many years ago my youngest child was taken seriously ill around the time he was due his vaccinations at 6 months old. It was a dilemma for me, vaccinate? or not vaccinate? The choice was taken out of my hands by the consultant paediatrician at the hospital where my son was treated. I should have been able to empathise with Elizabeth, but I didn't like her character at all, I actually had sympathy for Bryony although not keen on her character either really. I found the book very depressing & thought the the author's view of how other characters would behave toward the two mothers was overly influenced by how people reacted during the pandemic. As the story was set prior to Covid, I don't think people's reactions would have been so strong & vitriolic. I think that kind of behaviour & opinions was something only witnessed as the pandemic went on. I have still given 4 stars as I thought the writing was good, it made me feel angry & it made me feel sad, so it was strong enough to stir up those reactions in me. I also liked the little twist at the end.

Great book & good conversation topic. Would recommend