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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Fast-paced story of a friendship destroyed over a difference in opinion on childhood vaccinations. Both sides of the argument are well-presented, and I tore through it, found it very gripping
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? Elizabeth and Bryony sit on opposing sides of this decision, they are opposites but best friends, trusted godmothers to each others kids. When one lies to the other, and a child is hospitalised, friendships are tested and a court case ensues. Not technically a whodunnit but there are some twists that keep you guessing! Great debut! 4
I was enjoying this despite it telling a depressing tale. Emily Edwards is a good writer, creating realistic characters and astutely capturing a complicated friendship dynamic. However, I cannot forgive the wholly implausible court case that was an awkward muddle of UK and US civil and criminal proceedings as well as some elements made up purely for the drama. I struggle to understand how anyone would publish a novel based on a court case whilst making no attempt to understand the legal process in this country. Would have been a 3 but the legal element ruined it for me.
I struggled to get into this book but i enjoyed the read. It had an important storyline and really made me think. Overall worth a read but wouldn’t be reaching to read more from this author
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well written with engaging realistic characters, I was actually a bit sad when I’d finished as I’d enjoyed it so much.
Will be looking for other books from this author
Will be looking for other books from this author
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am extremely pro-vaccine and I don't have children, I'll get both of those things out of the way first. I did like this book though. I have met all the characters, although they were a tad one-dimensional and stereotypical, and have heard all of the anti-vax arguments. I liked the attempt to humanise the issue and make the water on both sides muddier but the science is so clear it didn't do anything to change my mind, more make me determined to not hang out with the type of people in the book.
As far as books aimed at women go I enjoyed this one and sped through it in a couple of days.
As far as books aimed at women go I enjoyed this one and sped through it in a couple of days.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was a fascinating read and so timely with everything that is going on in the world at the minute.
The Herd follows the story of 2 couples - Bry and Ash, and Elizabeth and Jack - who are good friends and neighbours. They both have differing opinions when it comes to vaccinations. This comes to a head when tragic circumstances threaten to tear the two families apart.
The story flits between the two couples, telling both of their tales in equal measure and it really does give a balanced view of the highly volatile vaccine debate.
As a parent to young children myself, I could empathise with both sides and many of the couples' thoughts and dilemmas mirrored those of my own.
A heartbreaking and tragic tale of family and friendship that I thoroughly enjoyed. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could.
The Herd follows the story of 2 couples - Bry and Ash, and Elizabeth and Jack - who are good friends and neighbours. They both have differing opinions when it comes to vaccinations. This comes to a head when tragic circumstances threaten to tear the two families apart.
The story flits between the two couples, telling both of their tales in equal measure and it really does give a balanced view of the highly volatile vaccine debate.
As a parent to young children myself, I could empathise with both sides and many of the couples' thoughts and dilemmas mirrored those of my own.
A heartbreaking and tragic tale of family and friendship that I thoroughly enjoyed. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could.
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No