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A review by heddas_bookgems
The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
4.0
Dallergut Dream Department introduces us to a delightfully quirky world where sleeping humans wander around in their pajamas, in search of their next new dream, all under the watchful eye of dog-like guardians who ensure no one accidentally sheds their night robes. If that premise alone doesn’t tickle your fancy, it’s time to reconsider your dream life. The book poses a simple yet captivating question: What if you could buy a dream? And the even bigger question: What on earth would you buy? (For me? A flying dream, of course.)
This charming story is as cute as it is whimsical, prompting you to think about your own sleep in unexpected ways. The heroine, Penny, is an absolute sweetheart, curious, full of heart, and eager to improve herself. She's someone you root for right from the start. And then there’s Dallergut, the quirky side character who feels like Willy Wonka's sleep-deprived cousin or Jupiter North’s dreamier counterpart. His eccentricities and offbeat charm only enhance the magical aura of the book.
The world-building here is a lush and wonderfully creative delight. The author effortlessly weaves together lore about past, present, future, and the enigmatic in-between space where dreams dwell, creating a landscape that’s as enchanting as it is complex. And let’s not forget the currency of this dream-world: the emotions dreamers wake up with. Now that’s a currency that would give the stock market a run for its money!
However, while the setting is rich and imaginative, the characters themselves can feel a bit flat, lacking the depth that might make them more relatable or nuanced. The storyline, too, is rather absent, it's more a collection of moments and vibes than a tightly woven plot. But in the realm of dreamlike, atmospheric tales, this works in the book’s favor, allowing it to excel in creating a magical, whimsical mood. The running theme is clear: this book is about dreams, yes, but it’s also about what they mean to us.
And while the book reminds us that “dreams are just dreams,” Dallergut Dream Department makes us wonder, maybe they’re a little more than that after all.
This charming story is as cute as it is whimsical, prompting you to think about your own sleep in unexpected ways. The heroine, Penny, is an absolute sweetheart, curious, full of heart, and eager to improve herself. She's someone you root for right from the start. And then there’s Dallergut, the quirky side character who feels like Willy Wonka's sleep-deprived cousin or Jupiter North’s dreamier counterpart. His eccentricities and offbeat charm only enhance the magical aura of the book.
The world-building here is a lush and wonderfully creative delight. The author effortlessly weaves together lore about past, present, future, and the enigmatic in-between space where dreams dwell, creating a landscape that’s as enchanting as it is complex. And let’s not forget the currency of this dream-world: the emotions dreamers wake up with. Now that’s a currency that would give the stock market a run for its money!
However, while the setting is rich and imaginative, the characters themselves can feel a bit flat, lacking the depth that might make them more relatable or nuanced. The storyline, too, is rather absent, it's more a collection of moments and vibes than a tightly woven plot. But in the realm of dreamlike, atmospheric tales, this works in the book’s favor, allowing it to excel in creating a magical, whimsical mood. The running theme is clear: this book is about dreams, yes, but it’s also about what they mean to us.
And while the book reminds us that “dreams are just dreams,” Dallergut Dream Department makes us wonder, maybe they’re a little more than that after all.