Title: The Poppy Field

Author: Caroline Kellems

Genre: Women’s Fiction

 

The Whitehall family have set out on a new adventure. Phil Whitehall is a pastor who has decided to relocate his family to Guatemala where he will spread the gospel as a missionary. His wife, Katherine, has reservations but keeps them under wraps in order to buoy the enthusiasm of the Whitehall children, Justin and Katy.

Upon arrival in Guatemala, the family sees the country’s natural beauty offset by the plight and poverty that afflicts the people. The trek to their new home is hampered by a flat tire and an armed robbery, which further unsettles Katherine. Phil believes that the family’s faith is being tested and things will work out. Initial hardships appear to vanish with the appearance of their landlord, Alfonso, yet things are not what they seem.

The voyage of a family into an unknown part of the world is just one aspect explored in Caroline Kellems’s splendid novel. The story is viewed primarily through the perspective of Katherine Whitehall but also delves into the experiences of Phil and their children while they adjust to their new surroundings.

The plot develops at a steady pace as the initial growing pains of the move evolve into the day-to-day lives of an expatriate family adapting to their new home. The introduction of Alfonso, the Whitehall’s host, and often benefactor, adds mystery and complexity to the story.

Faith is an overarching theme in the story of the Whitehalls. Phil Whitehall’s life was changed after a near fatal car accident. The word of God called out to him and imbued him with a steadfast belief in the will of God. The shocking and violent robbery Phil and Katherine experienced coupled with the sparse furnishings at their new home riles Katherine, but Phil preaches patience. The consistency of Phil’s convictions begins to irk Katherine, which leads to tension in their marriage. Faith in the word will be tested along with faith in each other.

The complex family dynamic is explored in depth in the story as the relationships between the children and their parents factor in along with the strained relations of Phil and Katherine. Justin is the older sibling of the two children and the frequent absences of his father forces him to mature. While Katy is young enough to enjoy the fun things, Justin has become a cynical teenager. Justin must come to terms with his father’s obsession with building a church and congregation. Justin witnesses his mother becoming estranged from his father and worries that their new living arrangement will end badly.

The character of Alfonso is ushered in with a certain mystique. His influence is alluded to often, but a little more development of his character and his background would be a welcome addition to a great story.

The Poppy Field beguiles from the beginning and doesn’t miss a step as the direction of the Whitehall’s journey changes with each chapter. Caroline Kellems has written a winning story about how faith, love, and family can be tested in a trial by fire. This is a first-class effort from start to finish.

 

 

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