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.

This was a DNF for me at about 20%. I really like the idea of it but couldn’t connect with anything enough to continue. I do think that people who want a cozy and calming story can find something really good here.

The first in a best-selling Korean duology, that has become an international sensation, I was eager to read The Dallergut Dream Department Store when it became available for US consumption. The book follows Penny who has just gotten her fantasy job working at a Department store that sells a variety of dreams to sleepers. The sleepers remember the dreams, but not the shopping experience. The novel is built out of interlocking stories that show Penny’s progression at the store, but also bring in a variety of other dreamers and dream makers.

While there is a lot of whimsy and heart in the novel (characters have charming names like Babynap Rockabye and furry clawed creatures supply sleepers with comfy pajamas), there is also a philosophical undercurrent looking at how even a nightmare of test taking may be healing and the importance of not focusing too heavily on the past or future to the detriment of one’s present path. If like me you enjoy magical realism and are fascinated by dreams and how they can have impact and relation to our waking lives, this book is sure to be an interesting and enjoyable read.

Covering a year in the life of Penny, the newest employee of the magical dream store, this novel is almost a series of vignettes, with each chapter telling about a different aspect Penny learns about on the job. The magic of the dreams is intriguing, and all the characters in the book are interesting to get to know along with Penny, but it is definitely more a slice of life style book than one with a plot to specifically follow. It did leave a warm and fuzzy feeling with me after reading it. (And I recommend reading the translator's note at the end for an interesting look into her word choices.)

A magical and whimsical tale, Penny gets the break of her lifetime to interview for a job at the Dallergut Dept Store, a small place where dreams are sold. Albeit honest and pure, I’m surprised this isn’t genres for either children or at least young adult. If you have ever worked retail or interviewed for a retail job, be prepared to enter a world of the familiar. Go into this story with an imagination and child like wonder, don’t go in looking for either character development or plot.

Each character at the dept stores feels personalized and unique, so it was easy to separate them out. Also on the familiar side as someone who has worked retail in a department store. I enjoyed the chapters in regards to how bad dreams are addressed. Like why would anyone pay for those?

A cute and light hearted tale that never fully felt conceptualized, but sweet enough if you’re looking for a sugary story and a happily ever after feeling. A cozy story but the execution of this might have been a little stronger if the author had fully committed to telling the story in a short story concept, instead of feeling like switching between interconnected short stories and a novel. But an easy read still. Not quite 4 stars but would round up to 3.75. I would definitely recommend this as a perfect story for the imagination.

Thank you for this ARC!

I absolutely loved this book! It reminded me of Midnight Library by Matt Haig. The writing was beautiful and the story compelling.

This book was so cute and the premise is so cool!! The smaller stories that made up most of the book were heartwarming and incredibly sad at times. I just can’t get over the “nap dreams” and how DOGS BUY THEM. 😍😍😍 I love dogs so much, I practically cried every time they were mentioned. LOL The names of the different dreams you can buy are so imaginative! Like, "Crossing the Pacific Ocean as a Killer Whale" or "Eating a whole Lobster at a Private Beach".

"Whether you experience a good dream purchased from this department store or don't dream at all, we all sleep to get closure on yesterday and prepare for tomorrow. In that sense, sleep is no longer a waste of time.”

My only criticism is that the overall story seemed disjointed and the ending rushed. Without spoiling anything, a plot conflict happens and is not even mentioned again until the last 5% of the book. This is honestly inconsequential to me because the smaller stories within the book are just so precious and lighthearted that I forgot about the conflict until it was brought up again. I just thought I would mention it here in case readers were hoping for a riveting plot line; there is not one. This book is purely feel good writing.

“It's late and my family hasn't come home yet.”

The sleep tech in this is quite genius! I wish some of these products were real. Basically, if you're looking for a feel good, smart, easy read that will make you fall in love with the human experience this is for you. Also, one word: Nicholas.
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ʏᴏᴜʟʟ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
•Whimsical characters
•Cozy fiction
•Magical Realism
•Dreams
•Asian Lit

The Dallergut Dream Department Store is a charming, treat of a novel. Following the lives of the employees working at the store where sleeping visitors purchase their nightly dreams, it makes for a cozy novel with a lot of heart. Unique in subject and delivery, this novel was a genuine joy to read. (And that cover art?? Stunning.)

It’s an easy, short read that made me lose track of time and burn through the pages as I progressed. If you are looking for something to read, with a motley cast of characters, and an eccentric store owner, and a low stakes, sweet sort of whimsy-- this is one to read.

I'm pretty sure I saw online that there is a sequel on the way, which is something I will most definitely be picking up!

Thank you so so much to HTP Books, Hanover Square Press, and The Hive for the gifted copy of this novel to read and review. I loved it.

This is very much a cozy and, dare I say, dreamy vibes, minimal plot or tension kind of book. The world-building is whimsical, compassionate and wholesome, with characters that aren't very nuanced but serve their purpose well enough to create a vivid space. That said, the blurb indicates a heist plot as a central stake, and yet you could blink and miss the theft and its consequences. Other than that it's an easy enough read, with little nuggets of cleverness and specific Korean references and equal dream rights for furry friends. But do not expect any kind of thrill or stakes in this narrative.