The Poppy Fields (Standard Edition): A Novel

by Nikki Erlick

Overview

From the New York Times bestselling author of the smash-hit The Measure—a runaway bestseller and a Read with Jenna TODAY Show pick—comes a stunning speculative story of healing, self-discovery, forgiveness, and found friendship.

"This ambitious novel tells a speculative story about the resilience of the human spirit." —People

"A masterful, tender exploration of love, loss, and the poignant echoes of memory... A profoundly moving read." —Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author

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?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063449442
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/17/2025
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	8.90(w) x 6.30(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Nikki Erlick is the author of the instant New York Times bestseller The Measure, which was a Read with Jenna / Today show book club pick. The Measure has been translated into twenty-four languages worldwide. She has a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a master’s degree from Columbia University. She lives in Los Angeles.

Editorial Reviews

"Erlick’s absorbing sophomore work, sure to be another hit, beautifully explores grief, healing, and acceptance.”  — Booklist (starred review)

“From the author of the runaway bestseller The Measure comes a moving book about love, loss, and healing.” — Woman's World

“Erlick’s follow-up to her Read with Jenna pick The Measure is a timely speculative novel about sister relationships, forgiveness, and self-discovery… Each of the characters’ stories includes secrets and motives that engender surprising plot twists, yet their experiences all show aspects of shared humanity, grief, and loss that will make it easy for readers to find empathy even as the plot veers toward dystopian extremes. At its core, this is a story of hope and healing and of what people are willing to do to find them.” — Library Journal

“Alluring… the character work is top notch, especially as the seemingly disparate travelers find common ground in their resilience… Readers will be in no rush to see it end.” — Publishers Weekly

“A masterful, tender exploration of love, loss, and the poignant echoes of memory—profoundly moving." — Jamie Ford, New York Times-bestselling author

"A deeply thought-provoking, fascinating story about the most elemental issues of humanity." — Angie Kim, New York Times bestselling author of Happiness Falls and Miracle Creek

“A thought-provoking and rewarding exploration of grief and loss, with wise and wonderful things to say about the healing power of friendship.” — Gareth Brown, bestselling author of The Book of Doors

“The Measure is equal parts charming and thought-provoking. It takes a philosophical question—what if everybody on earth knew exactly how long they had left to live?—and explores, with compassion and pragmatism, how the implications would trickle down into every area of modern life, from politics to intimacy.” — Marie Claire

“Despite its chilling premise, Erlick’s novel is an escape from—rather than a window into—our own terrifying reality.”  — New York Times on The Measure

"I doubt I will ever use the term 'life-affirming' when describing a novel again. No other book could ever measure up to what Erlick has done with this tender, original and gripping debut. I cannot think of a reader of any genre who would not find something to love in The Measure." — Bookreporter.com

“So often, high-concept novels are all conceit, no heart, but Nikki Erlick gives us both in spades, a fascinating and timely setup buttressed by a compelling cast of characters finding their hard way through unprecedented times. It makes The Measure a heartfelt parable for our own unprecedented times but also its opposite: a lesson in what doesn’t change even when everything else does.”  — Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of One Two Three

“What an incredible book! It’s truly original with an intriguing premise that’s beautifully executed. I loved the fact that it was written from so many POVs, each adding depth and perspective to the overall narrative which made it a rich and satisfying read. I found it gripping, poignant, and intensely thought-provoking.” — Ruth Hogan, bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things, on The Measure

“[Erlick] makes a triumphant return with The Poppy Fields … It is ambitious beyond belief, yet I can think of no better author to tackle these issues (let alone do it so beautifully) than Nikki Erlick. … For those who have not yet felt the pain of loss, Erlick reveals the real truth: grief is the price of love, and it is always worth it.” — Bookreporter.com

From the Publisher