I really, really enjoyed this story. Penny and her coworkers sell dreams to people and they pay with their emotions once the dream is concluded. It was a fun story, very different than anything I have ever read.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started this book but I was pleasantly surprised. It is chock full of cozy, all the feels, and life lessons with some great passages for tucking away and reading when you need a little comfort.

"People praised the dream, claiming it allowed them to experience true freedom. But it got me thinking about my own freedom. I can walk, run and fly in a dream unencumbered, but when I wake up to reality, I can’t do any of those things without support. Yet the whales roaming the ocean are not free on land, and the eagles soaring through the sky are not free in the ocean. Freedom comes in different shapes and forms; every living thing is granted limited freedom."

The start of the book was probably the roughest feeling but our knowledge of the dreaming realm expands as Penny learns more while working at Dallergut. I think my second favorite person in this story is Animora Bancho – the dreammaker who crafts dreams for animals. I also completely ship Penny and Maxim – I hope to see more of them in the second book. Dallergut himself reminded me of the Albus Dumbledore portrayed by Richard Harris (the first Dumbledore). The cast of characters were a big part of Penny’s story and I really enjoyed experiencing the lives of the people the dreams were crafted for.

If you’re looking for a magically cozy book with a great supporting cast, i highly recommend this one. I truly hope Harlequin has the second translated and published – I will be keeping an eye out for it. I would like to thank The Hive/Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this heartwarming story. Rounded from 4.5 stars.

Thank you to Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Miye Lee’s novel, translated by Sandy Joosun Lee, explores the fascination and possibilities of dreams in The Dallergut Dream Department Store. The story follows Dallergut’s newest hire, Penny, as she navigates a fantastical world where dreams are tickets for people to revisit aspects of their lives that are important to them such as their pasts, their futures, and their loved ones. Lee’s writing imbues magical realism into a compelling narrative about one of humanity’s most significant shared experiences.

I had a hard time getting through this book because there was no real plot or story line. Some of the “tales” told within felt like they were mounting to something profound and then the tale was over with no profound conclusion or meaning. The entire plot was unrealistic and simply whimsical, so if you are looking for something to take your mind off real life or any semblance of it, this would be a good book to “take you away from it all” and lead to nowhere. I truly feel like a lost 5 hours of my life I will never get back after reading this and have no new thoughts to walk away with. A lot of it I didn’t even understand and am left wondering if I missed something important at the beginning that would have explained the lack of narrative to follow along with. The reason I didn’t give it less than 4 stars is because it wasn’t exactly “painful” to read. It flowed, it’s just that the chapter ideas didn’t lead anywhere and they just ended, so it was a little frustrating, but some of the bazaar’ness of the stories were entertaining enough to keep me turning the pages to get through it. This author has quite the imagination, I will say that, and that deserves a star in itself, so this book is really a 3 out of 5 that earned an extra star for keeping my interest, and hopes of a profound ending alive throughout.

Reading this is such a delightful experience. The concept of a store where dreams are sold is both whimsical and thought-provoking. Lee does a fantastic job of creating a magical yet relatable world that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed and each has their own unique charm. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between the store employees and the customers, which added a lot of depth to the storyline. The pacing was just right, and there were enough twists and turns to keep things interesting without feeling overwhelming.

The only reason I'm not giving it a full 5 stars is that I felt some of the subplots could have been explored a bit more. But overall, it's a heartwarming and imaginative read that I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for something a bit different. If you're a fan of magical realism, this book is definitely for you!

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book follows a woman who starts working at a department store that sells dreams. This book is a hit in Korea and has just been translated into English.

This book was very whimsical and a bit cozy. I am not a huge fan of this genre but I know a lot of people are. I bet a lot of people will love this one. While this book didn't necessarily work for me, I think there is definitely a big audience out there for it.

I just felt like it was too whimsical for my taste. While I don't think this is a bad book, it just wasn't for me. I also felt like there were too many side stories and characters and it was a bit hard to follow at times.

I hope others love this one!

I think I went into this book with a certain perception of this story but it turned out different than what I thought. I was expecting more magical realism but fantastical so that's on me. It took me a bit to get into the story and, overall, I did enjoy learning about the characters at the Dallergut Dream department store but this book also seemed not to have a general direction which made the overall story stall a few times for me.


I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a sweet, heartwarming story that really, really made me think about dreams!

Imagine you could go to a department store and buy dreams! What an interesting concept for a story! I really enjoyed the exploration of what could happen if we were really in control of our own dreams like that.

This is a low risk story with not a whole lot of plot. It’s told in short overlapping stories that all connect in some way and really demonstrate how the small things can be so meaningful.

It's definitely a feel good story that is the perfect palate cleanser.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the eARC copy of this book!

The Dallergut Dream Department Store is a fantastical place where people can buy their dreams for the night and meet its amazing personnel. I love learning about sleep and dreams so this book was easy to get into.

My favorite aspect of the book was learning about the different types of dreams and clients. I felt just as curious as the main character through the whole book. Each story within the book left me wondering about my own life and even wishing I could buy a specific type of dream when I went to sleep.

The pace was fast for me, but again I felt a bit biased because I love reading about sleep, dreams, and anything brain related. Will definitely recommend to my friends and will be rereading at some point.

A sweet set of stories to read before bed that guarantee good dreams.

"The Dallergut Dream Department Store" was exactly the feel-good story I needed. It follows Penny after she gets a job in the store and learns how to help people not only find their dreams but gives them dreams that can change their lives. Each chapter, Penny encounters a colorful set of characters that each have different perspectives and challenges in life. It's one of those novels you're able to take something away with every turn of the page.

I think the characters were great. Every floor offered new insights and new workers who were so different from one another. I loved being able to "meet" them and explore their ways of helping customers. I think I'd gravitate more to the romance section, if I were to visit, but I'm not sure which one I would buy.

That leads me to my next point. This concept is so imaginative and fun. You show up to the store while you're asleep, but you never remember going when you're awake. It's like your subconscious chooses what you need to most. Don't think about the mechanics too hard, just have fun reading!

It's a great read that I highly recommend!

The Dallergut Dream Department Store is a really cute novel about the power of dreams. In the book, Penny gets a job working at the aforementioned Dallergut Dream Department Store, where she helps with customer service and the overall store management. The store helps patrons find the dreams they’re looking for and collects payment from their emotions afterwards. The world is whimsical, featuring furries who make sure patrons stay clothed while asleep and talented dream makers who create vivid experiences. Each chapter featured a different patron and story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend it to others who enjoy thought-provoking and character-driven stories.

5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC

In the whimsical world of Miye Lee’s The Dallergut Dream Department Store, readers are invited to explore a realm where dreams are not just figments of our imagination but tangible commodities sold in a bustling department store. This novel, translated from Korean by Sandy Joosun Lee, offers a delightful escape into a universe where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur in the most enchanting ways.

The story follows Penny, a young woman who lands her dream job at the Dallergut Dream Department Store. Each floor of this magical store specializes in different types of dreams, from nostalgic childhood memories to adventurous escapades and even nightmares. Penny’s journey from a novice employee to a seasoned dream-seller is filled with charming encounters and whimsical challenges.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its richly imagined setting. The store itself is a character, with its various departments and quirky employees adding depth and color to the narrative.

Miye Lee’s prose is gentle and evocative, capturing the essence of dreams and the human desire for escapism. The narrative is interspersed with vignettes of customers who visit the store, each with their own unique dream needs, adding layers of depth to the story.

The novel touches on deeper themes such as the processing of trauma, longing for lost loved ones, and the pursuit of happiness. 

The Dallergut Dream Department Store is a comforting read, perfect for those looking to escape the mundanity of everyday life. Its blend of fantasy and reality, coupled with its heartwarming characters and imaginative setting, makes it a standout in contemporary fiction. Whether you’re a fan of magical realism or simply in need of a gentle, uplifting story, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

I first saw this book in a bookstore in Bangkok earlier this year (I'm from the United States), and I regretted not buying it as when I got home it wasn't available yet! You can imagine my elation when I saw an advanced copy was available on NetGalley, and that I was selected to receive access!

The Dallergut Dream Department Store is a fun, easy read. It's low stakes, but in the best ways. It took my awhile to read because I read it before bed and I kept falling asleep. That isn't to say I was bored, but rather I found the story to be very calming. I'll be looking for the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a refreshing, comforting, slow, cozy fantasy book! Absolutely loved the concept of this. It was so whimsical and fun to read, the perfect light fantasy book to read as a palate-cleanser between thrillers or heavier books. I loved seeing Penny grow as an employee at the Department store, and learning about all the different customers and the different dreams they buy was so nice. I especially loved the chapter about people's loved ones leaving custom-made dreams behind for them when they pass on.

The Dallergut Department Store
🌕🌕🌕/5
Imagine a department store that sells boxes of dreams! People flock to Dallergut Dept. Store where they can purchase various dreams for a delightful sleep but buyer beware!

The story follows Penny, a new hire who gets to mingle with talented designer “dreammakers” and colourful coworkers. She is both delighted and apprehensive about the store’s products, practices. Customers seem to be losing a piece of themselves and questions arise.
How much are you willing to give for spectacular dream experience?

😴 This book is imaginative, unique but fell short for me. The novel, translated from Korean to English is not written in a linear style. I prefer a fluid style where I can connect with the characters and an organized plot.

😴 I was curious about the possibility of pre-cognitive dreams and it raised questions about how dreams are manifested? Do we have free will over what we choose to dream or to not dream at all?

😴 A whimsical book, short read but a bit confusing. If you don’t mind a narrative that doesn’t follow a specific pattern then I recommend this to you. Also, if you enjoy magical realism and introspective reads then go for this one.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade and NetGalley for this book in return for an honest review.

The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Lee Mi-ye
Magical Realism • translated by Sandy Joosun Lee
Published • 9 July 2024

Thank you so much to @htp_hive and @hanoversquarepress for the gifted ARC.

“Are dreams merely subconscious illusions or are they something more profound?”

Read this if you’re looking for a quirky, cozy, whimsical tale that’s well off the beaten path. This book was originally published in Korea where it quickly became a best-seller. I was so curious to read this when I heard the premise.

Imagine a department store where instead of clothing, you have floor-to-ceiling shelves of specially packaged and boxed up dreams available for purchase, from highly sought after best-sellers to mark-downs. All made by various eccentric and highly imaginative dreammakers the likes of Babynap Rockabye and Kick Slumber. You could spend a day in the life in someone else’s shoes, be the most popular kid class, soar like an eagle, tour exotic locations (Maldives anyone?), scare yourself silly with a nightmare, or even relive a favorite childhood memory.

There is not a linear plot line to this story but instead it’s a collection of vignettes into dreamland. This is light and airy but you can also find quite a bit of depth hidden within as well. The stakes are low and it’s fairly slow-paced but also not a long read.

The food references throughout take me back to my days of watching the Iron Chef with strange sounding exotic concoctions like fig pickles and calming cookies to the more mundane red bean paste buns. This is a meandering tale with no clear plot to “be solved” but rather an exploration of the fanciful what-if scenarios of buying and selling of dreams.

This is a perfect comfort read. A great mix of fun and heartwarming. I love the concept and conversation surrounding dreams so this was super interesting to me.

Thank you so much for this review copy. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. As someone who is Korean I wonder if the story would have flowed better if I read the Korean version. I think that the concept of the book was awesome but the execution of the writing was hard for me to smoothly follow the story along. The changes in POV were really hard for me to follow for some reason but overall I thought the story and concept was great.

Unfortunately, I DNF’d this book at 35%. I think the concept of the book is great, but the storytelling felt disjointed.

In this novel, Penny gets a job at the department store that sells dreams. The author takes us through Penny's first year on the job where she meets her extravagant coworkers and gets to know some talented "dreammakers".

This was a very cute, cozy whimsical read with an incredibly unique premise. Unfortunately I did not fall in love with the way the story was executed. I really enjoyed the characters in all their uniqueness but the flow of the story just wasn't there for me. It felt more like an account of events rather than a narrative with a purpose. One thing though about the book is that I will never look at my own dreams the same way again. This novel really makes you wonder whether the dream world exists and how the dreams are chosen for us.

If you enjoy cozy YA fantasy with a whimsical twist, check out this debut novel, translated from Korean. Do not expect a solid plot, but go for the uniqueness instead.