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.

I was under the impression this book was whimsy for adults, but read as too childish. My perception may have been different if the book were positioned for a younger audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Mi-Ye Lee, translated by Sandy Joosun Lee, is a cozy magical realism novel that explores enchanting answers to the timeless question of why we dream. Set in a village accessible only through sleep, this book invites readers into the whimsical world of the Dallergut Dream Department Store, a magical emporium where dreams are crafted and sold like precious commodities. Each chapter serves as a vignette, exploring the unique dreams, dreamers, and dream-makers that populate this fantastical universe.

Mi-Ye Lee's novel is a celebration of dreams as creative masterpieces, each one designed to be admired and cherished. The store itself, a beloved institution in the dream village, is a testament to the art and craftsmanship behind every dream. The novel follows Penny, a new employee at the Dallergut Dream Department Store, as she navigates the five floors of dreamscapes and finds her place among the eclectic and endearing staff. Penny's journey from uncertainty to belonging is heartwarming, as she becomes part of a found family with Dallergut, the store's enigmatic founder, and Weather, a veteran employee who manages the store's daily operations.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is the idea that customers pay for their dreams with their waking emotions. This unique currency system raises thought-provoking questions about the commodification of art and the value we place on our emotional experiences. It also highlights the delicate balance the store's employees must maintain to ensure that dreams are fulfilling and meaningful for each customer.

The philosophical underpinnings of the novel are rich and multifaceted. Lee delves into the nature of dreams, exploring their role in processing trauma, understanding free will, and fostering personal growth. One particularly moving chapter examines how nightmares can be transformed into opportunities for healing, echoing contemporary trauma research. The concept that dreams can help reprocess traumatic events and guide individuals toward resolution is both powerful and resonant.

Dallergut himself is a compelling character, reminiscent of the whimsical and wise figures like Mr. Magorium from Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. His reflections on dreams, time, and the human experience are profound and often poetic. Quotes like "Ultimately, the fact that they know 'all experiences will eventually be forgotten' makes every moment a once-in-a-lifetime moment" encapsulate the novel's meditative and introspective tone.

The novel's exploration of dreams as both a philosophical inquiry and a critique of capitalism is particularly noteworthy. The Dallergut Dream Department Store is depicted as a place where dreams are not just bought and sold, but carefully curated to meet the emotional and psychological needs of the dreamers. This stands in stark contrast to other stores in the village that lure customers with promises of unnecessary indulgence.

However, the book's structure as a series of vignettes may leave some readers wanting more continuity. While the world-building is exquisite, certain plot threads are lost along the way. This could suggest that the first book is primarily focused on establishing the dream world, with future installments delving deeper into ongoing narratives.

Despite this, The Dallergut Dream Department Store is a charming and thought-provoking read. Lee's imaginative storytelling and philosophical musings create a delightful escape into a world where dreams are treasured and nurtured. The novel's cozy community care vibes and its celebration of dreams as works of art make it a must-read for those who find joy in the unknown and the magical.

In conclusion, this book is an enchanting exploration of the significance of dreams, wrapped in a narrative that is both whimsical and deeply reflective. While it may leave some yearning for a more continuous plot, the beauty and depth of Lee's dream world are sure to captivate and inspire. For fans of magical realism and philosophical fiction, The Dallergut Dream Department Store is a delightful journey into the heart of our sleeping minds.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of cozy magical realism, readers fascinated by the philosophy of dreams, those who enjoy whimsical, fantastical settings, admirers of found family dynamics, and anyone interested in stories with anti-capitalist themes.

🔑 Key Themes: The Nature of Dreams, Free Will and Choice, Healing from Trauma, Community Care, Anti-Capitalism, The Value of Emotions.

Content / Trigger Warnings: Child death (minor), Grief (minor).

This was a really cute concept for a book, a department store that specializes in selling every type of dream you can imagine. It read a lot like a children's book, a whimsical heartwarming perfect comfort read. I wished there was a bit more plot but overall it was cute and enjoyable.
I would recommend this to people who are craving an easy read that feels like a good hug.

Due to time, I wasn't able to finish this title before release day, but I loved the writing style and cozy vibes right off the bat. The book felt gentle without being boring, and the translator did a great job keeping the tone of the original text. Will definitely recommend for anyone looking for a low-stakes, cozy read similar to Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The Kamogawa Food Detectives.

In a mysterious town hidden in our collective subconscious, there's a department store that sells dreams. Visitors, both human and animal, shuffle in day and night to purchase their latest adventure. Each floor specializes in a specific type of dream: childhood memories, food dreams, ice skating, dreams of stardom. Flying dreams are almost always sold out. Some seek dreams of loved ones who have died. There's a floor just for napping dreams, mostly visited by animals.

For Penny, an enthusiastic new hire, working at Dallergut is the opportunity of a lifetime. As she uncovers the workings of this whimsical world, she bonds with a cast of unforgettable characters, including Dallergut, the flamboyant and wise owner, Babynap Rockabye, a famous dream designer/influencer, Maxim, a nightmare producer. She meets the many customers who dream to heal, dream to grow, and dream to flourish.

This book was delightful. The characters were whimsical, the storyline was original, and each interaction with the dreams the customers purchased and between Penny & Dallergut gave me pause, as I reflected on the message they imparted. This book would be great for book clubs I believe, because I think the different dreams could spark discussions. This book is perfect for fans of the "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series and the "Kamogawa Food Detectives" series.

The Dallergut Department Store is a series of interconnected stories that give readers a window into life at a department store with the ability to sell dreams. For most of the book, we follow Penny, a new employee at Dallergut Dream Department Store, as she learns more about the world of sleep and the capability of dreams.

While I was really excited about the premise, I found myself a bit disappointed with the execution. With the short-story collection aspect of The Dallergut Dream Department Store, I was left a bit disconnected from our main characters, like Penny and Dallergut. As soon as I found myself settled in a story, it would end quite abruptly with a cut and dry moral, moving on to the next point of business relatively quickly. I wanted to know more about each individual customer and employee, but the stories moved much too quickly to allow for this connection.

With that said, I did love the concept of this book and the thought that went into this world of dreams. I loved learning each new detail about the types of dreams that could be purchased, the way they were payed for, and the creators of each dream. The dream landscape that Lee creates is very fascinating!

The Dallergut Dream Department Store is a magical place where dreams are the commodity. While the reader follows multiple characters, we mainly focus on Penny, a young eager worker who is starting her dream job at the store. Penny, a local, learns the complex dream system and how these special dreams can be more than just a fun time to pass the hours during sleep.

I immediately requested this on Netgally because the thought of being able to buy dreams in your sleep was an amazingly fresh concept. While Lee Mi-ye create one of the most unique concepts I have seen, I feel that the execution and characters were a bit flat.

The customers’ stories interweave with the store workers day-to-day happenings in a weird non-linear timeline. You get confused about how long the time is between events. Also, I wish it was explained more how locals can work in the store but also buy and experience the dreams. Yet customers only come to the store in their dreams and forget about it upon waking.

This is Lee Mi-ye’s debut and I read it as a translated work. So some issues I have may be due in part to the translation. Still, this book concept was so fresh and creative in a world of recycled plots that I will be reading whatever the author publishes next.

The Dallergut Dream Department Store is an oddly compelling fantasy novel and the first book in a series by Lee Mi-ye. Released 9th July 2024 by HarperCollins on their Harlequin Trade imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

This is a slice-of-life episodic novel with a whimsical vibe reminiscent of the Kamogawa Food Detectives (and fans of Hisashi Kashiwai et.al. will likely enjoy this one as well). Penny is hired at the titular department store literally selling dreams to customers from the real world who come to the dream world in their dreams.

It's not cohesive, there's no drama, it's disconnected, and dreamlike. Readers will either jump in wholeheartedly, overlook the discontinuity and enjoy the stream of consciousness (unconsciousness?) or hate it, without a lot of middle room. Taken for what it is, it's pleasant, if a bit trippy, and is like floating down a lazy river (without any scary rapids or biting insects) in an innertube on a warm summer day.

Originally published in Korean in 2020, the English translation work was done by Sandy Joosun Lee. There's a distinctly SE Asian nuance to the culture and interactions between the customers, managers, and employees. The prose certainly flows well, and apart from the level of politeness and social mores of the characters, it doesn't read like literature in translation; there are no clunky bits or odd phrases.

Four stars, but readers should be in the mood for a relaxing, dream-like, ever so slightly ephemeral, read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This was whimsical journey into the world of dreams! Penny lands what is quite literally a dream job at Dallergut Dream Department Store. Customers can purchase dreams of any variety and even order custom premade dreams. There's a floor for all the furry friends too!
This book reads like a series of short stories of the lives of the staff and customers with dreams and the Dallergut store interlinking them all.

4 ⭐
0 🌶️

A delightfully whimsical journey into the land where dreams are bought and sold at a fun department store filled with idiosyncratic characters that see the dreams that cater to all your subconscious needs, even those of your pets. The story is quirky and heartwarming and leaves you wanting more. I would classify the story content more like small vignettes instead of a solid storyline. The vignettes are centered around Penny, the newest employee of the Dallergut Dream Department story, but although everything that happens is centered around dreams, they are loosely related. All part of the whimsy of the story. This is a fairly short book, but it leaves you happy and smiling. It is a nice book based on Korean culture but universal in that we all dream, and it's a nice thought that the universe goes to the trouble to create dreams that help with our past, present, and future. Enjoy!

Thank you, NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Hanover Square Press, for the eArc. The opinions are my own.

This book takes readers on a whimsical journey into the enchanting world of DallerGut Dream Department store, where dreams are not just fleeting experiences but tangible commodities that shape lives. Penny, the protagonist, fulfills her lifelong dream of working there, discovering the profound impact dreams have on individuals.

The novel beautifully explores the intricate workings of dreams, highlighting their significance in connecting past memories with present emotions. Each dream, whether joyful or nightmarish, is meticulously crafted by dream makers who understand the profound effects dreams can have on their dreamers.

While I found the concept of the dream department store fascinating, I wished for more depth in certain areas. DallerGut, the enigmatic owner, remains intriguing but underexplored. A glimpse into his backstory would have enriched the narrative, providing insight into his motivations and the origins of the dream store.

Similarly, the subplot about dreams connecting the past and present held promise but felt somewhat unresolved. It presented a compelling layer to the story that could have been further developed to enhance the overall narrative depth.

The translation from Korean was seamless, thanks to the translator's skillful adaptation, which preserved the essence and sensitivity of the original text. The author's handling of sensitive topics within the dreams was commendable.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for this digital ARC.

I really wanted to like this more than I did. I was looking for something light, which it was. It still gave me things to think about but did not quite give me enough to take me in deeply. The concept is that the Dallergut Dream Department Store was a place where people could go in and purchase dreams. I loved this idea. Wouldn't it be great if you could do that: go into a store and purchase a dream that could improve your life or help you in some way? It sounds good but made you question what kind of dream could do that and what would it take to improve your life? It pointed out that there was more than one way that you can do that--you can take specific actions or you can learn how to accept what you have. These are things worth thinking about. However, the author does address these but does not really delve into them.
These days I often think novels are too long, like movies. Everyone thinks more is better. This book may be a bit too sparse. I also felt like the characters could have been fleshed out a little more.
The reader may want to be aware that this is a translated book. There are some books that do well in translation (the Beartown series comes to mind). Here, there were moments of clumsiness in wording that may be attributable to translation. Also, I think because of the translation issue, this is really not the book to read if you are looking for beautiful prose; it is really more about the concepts. I don't have a problem with that (and that did not figure into my rating) but it is something the reader may want to be aware of.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.