Poppy Field is based on the poppy's history, following one family over four generations. Young Martens knows his family's story, for it is as precious as the faded poem hanging in their home. From a poor girl comforting a grieving soldier, to an unexpected meeting of strangers, to a father's tragic death many decades after treaties were signed, war has shaped Martens's family in profound ways. The book also includes an unabridged copy of John McCrae's poem 'In Flander's Fields' and an Afterword by the Right Revd Nigel McCulloch which explains the history of the paper poppy which is sold every year by the Royal British Legion and worn by many to honour the memory of those who in two world wars and other conflicts since have lost their lives in service to others.
