Release date: June 17, 2015
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Synopsis:
What if there were a cure for the broken-hearted?
Welcome to the Poppy Fields, where there’s hope for even the most battered hearts to heal.
Here, in a remote stretch of the California desert, lies an experimental and controversial treatment center that allows those suffering from the heartache of loss to sleep through their pain…and keep on sleeping. After patients awaken from this prolonged state of slumber, they will finally be healed. But only if they’re willing to accept the potential shadowy side effects.
On a journey to this mystical destination are four very different strangers and one little dog: Ava, a book illustrator; Ray, a fireman; Sasha, an occupational therapist; Sky, a free spirit; and a friendly pup named PJ. As they attempt to make their way from the Midwest all the way to the Poppy Fields—where they hope to find Ellis, its brilliant, enigmatic founder—each of their past secrets and mysterious motivations threaten to derail their voyage.
A high-concept speculative novel about heartache, hope, and human resilience, The Poppy Fields explores the path of grief and healing, a journey at once profoundly universal and unique to every person, posing the questions: How do we heal in the wake of great loss? And how far are we willing to go in order to be healed?
Review:
This is a stunning, thought provoking exploration of grief, healing, and the emotional cost of forgetting. The concept is instantly compelling: in this world, grief can be “slept off” in a place called the poppy fields, a dreamlike landscape where mourners go to rest and, ideally, heal. But there’s a catch. Some people wake up having lost not just their pain, but their emotional connection to the person they’ve lost. The question the book quietly, but powerfully asks is; what is the price of peace, and is it worth it?
This would make an incredible book club pick. Every character feels vivid and distinct, with layered backstories and rich emotional arcs that invite conversation. Erlick handles heavy themes (grief, love, memory, and identity) with remarkable care, and there are some beautifully crafted twists that add depth without ever feeling manipulative.
While the story revolves around loss, it’s not a bleak book, it’s deeply human, and ultimately hopeful. It speaks to the universality of mourning and asks what it really means to move on. If you’ve ever struggled with grief, or simply want a novel that will move and challenge you, this one was fantastic.
Overall rating: 4/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
Novelgossip 