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The Herd

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The Herd

By: Emily Edwards
Narrated by: Olivia Darnley
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

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


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

Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Medical Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Fiction Feel-Good

Critic Reviews

It is hard to imagine a more timely novel. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issue
Controversial, addictive and clever, and the characters are so multi-layered and complex they are wholly believable.
Wow! What an incredible book, and so timely. I was riveted! Really beautifully written, compassionately told and incredibly thought provoking. A truly immersive telling of both sides of a story.
Fans of Liane Moriarty will love it!
Will have book clubs across the country in hot debate! Brilliant.
Echoes of The Slap
Smart, empathetic and with a knock-out twist.
A must-read about how our individual choices can directly affect those around us.
I loved this book. It put me through the emotional wringer. A genuine rollercoaster that asks big moral questions with beautifully drawn characters who left me in tears but also full of hope
A timely novel, we were completely gripped
All stars
Most relevant
I have really enjoyed this book and the interesting take on vaccinations and peoples choice. It reminds me that everyone perspective is important. A very good read

Very interesting

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The characters were well developed and the narrative structure was sound. It was well narrated.

Easy read but explored an interesting issue.

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The topics here made me nervous, I didn’t think I could handle such sensitive issues. It was surprised. It was thought-provoking, emotional and challenged all pre-conceived ideas. The narration was perfect. Highly recommend.

Hesitant to read but so glad I did

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Such an involved story,the lessons we learn as we walk through our life and those who choose to walk with us

A Story to tell

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So we’ll written and so descriptive….. such a topical subject and so many viewpoints…. Loved it!

Makes you think

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