A review by kolee_c
DallerGut Dream Department Store by Mi-Ye Lee 이미예

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

5.0

Thank you, NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

In a mysterious town hidden in our subconscious, there’s a whimsical store where all kinds of dreams are sold…

The story follows Penny, our protagonist who has a job interview at the DallerGut Dream Department Store. As Penny prepares for her new job, we are introduced to a host of characters that are regulars throughout the book. This eclectic cast of characters play a vital role in teaching us about the various dreams that can be bought at the store, and the deeper meanings that can be found in dreams. Each floor of the department store sells different kinds of dreams, such as dreams for animals, the elderly and those seeking adventure.

Each chapter of the book follows Penny as she learns about what it means to work in the dream business and how they influence the lives of their customers. I liked how each chapter taught you something different about the dream world and also about human behaviour.

This is the perfect read for autumn and winter. A cosy fantasy that is similar to slice-of-life anime. A fun, quirky story that depicts the human condition in a palatable way. Alongside Penny, we learn about what it means to dwell on the past and worry for the future, and how these can also be positive things. This book is perfect for those who want to read about the mundane things in life, finding inspiration, overcoming trauma, resilience, and having hope.

This book has similar vibes to Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Spirited Away, and Howl's Moving Castle.