The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick [Book Review]

Nikki Erlick’s The Poppy Fields asks: what if you could sleep through grief? A speculative, emotional novel about loss, healing, and hope—read my review.

When I first picked up The Poppy Fields, I was hooked by the premise right away. A treatment center in the desert that lets you literally sleep through grief? As someone who’s been sideswiped by loss, that idea hit me on a personal level. If I could’ve skipped even a fraction of that pain, would I have done it? I honestly don’t know – but I was curious to see how Erlick handled the question.

The story follows four strangers (and one very good dog) on their way to the Poppy Fields. Each has their own reasons for seeking this controversial healing method, and their secrets slowly come out along the journey. At the center of it all is Ellis, the enigmatic founder whose work promises hope… with a few unsettling side effects.

The Poppy Fields with Nikki Erlick – The Society of the Four Arts

My thoughts:

I’ll be honest – this isn’t a fast-paced book. There’s a lot of thinking, a lot of talking, and at times, it felt like the plot was dragging. But Erlick knows how to weave big, emotional concepts into her characters’ journeys in a way that feels intimate. Even when I was restless with the pacing, I was still drawn in by the ideas at play.

This was my first Nikki Erlick book, and while I wished for more momentum, I really enjoyed her style. She’s the kind of author I’ll come back to, because the themes she explores stick with you long after you’ve finished the book.

If you’re interested in grief, healing, and the what-ifs of bypassing heartache, The Poppy Fields is worth checking out. It’s not a page-turner, but it’s thoughtful, emotional, and unique.