From the bestselling author of The Measure comes The Poppy Fields, a thought-provoking speculative novel that follows four strangers—and one dog—on a journey of grief, healing, and emotional reckoning.
Summary
In a remote California desert lies The Poppy Fields, an experimental center that promises to erase grief by putting patients into a deep, dreamless sleep. But the treatment comes with a risk: while most wake up with their hearts mended, 25% of patients lose all emotional connection to the person they’ve lost.
Ava, Ray, Sasha, and Sky each have their own reasons for seeking out the treatment—and secrets they’re not ready to face.
As they travel across the country together, bonds form, truths surface, and the real question becomes: what are we willing to forget in order to move forward?
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Review
4 Stars | A hauntingly beautiful exploration of grief, healing, and the price of forgetting.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up The Poppy Fields. The premise felt so ambitious—grief therapy via a coma-like state?—but from the very first chapter, Nikki Erlick pulls readers into an emotional, surreal, and powerful journey. She invites us to confront one of life’s most universal yet personal experiences: loss.
But instead of focusing solely on the pain, she offers a quiet, strange hope in the form of found friendship, reflection, and the power of choice.
What I love most about Erlick’s work is how she makes you think. Would I choose to sleep? Would I risk erasing my love to erase my pain? As each character grapples with their own grief and motivations, you can’t help but reflect on your own.
The writing is atmospheric and deliberate with each chapter offering new layers of revelation. The pacing might feel slow for some, especially at the start, but it mirrors the characters’ cautious unraveling. Once the emotional core is established, the story gains momentum and delivers heart-wrenching surprises that linger with you long after the last page!
This is one of the most emotionally resonant books I have read this year. I found myself tearing up more than once, especially in moments where the quiet resilience of the characters really shone through!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
The Poppy Fields Book Club Questions
- Would you consider undergoing the treatment at The Poppy Fields? Why or why not?
- Which character’s journey resonated with youth most?
- How does the book define healing? Do you agree with that definition?
- What do you think the author is saying about memory and love?
- Was there a moment in the story that shifted your perspective about grief or loss?
- How did the setting—a remote desert center—affect your understanding of the characters’ emotional isolation or connection?
- What role does PJ the dog play in the narrative? Did you see him as more than just a pet?
Read This If You Liked:
The Measure by Nikki Erlick – naturally, if you loved her debut, this is the perfect follow-up.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig – explores alternate lives and the choices we regret.
Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore – a speculative twist on how we process time and emotion.
Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett – for those who love emotional depth, quirky characters, and a touch of magical realism.
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult – another deeply emotional read that wrestles with grief, choices, and transformation.
If you're looking for your next book club pick or a beautifully written story about healing, memory, and found friendship, this is it!
