A Lazy Reader's Review of "The Dallergut Dream Department Store" by Lee Mi Ye

Synopsis

    A whimsical, poignant novel about the inner workings of a department store that sells dreams.

    In a mysterious town that lies hidden in our collective subconscious, there's a quaint little store where all kinds of dreams are sold . . .

    Day and night, visitors both human and animal from all over the world shuffle in sleepily in their pyjamas, lining up to purchase their latest adventure. Each floor in the department store sells a special kind of dream, including nostalgic dreams about your childhood, trips you've taken, and delicious food you've eaten, as well as nightmares and more mysterious dreams.

    In Dallergut Dream Department Store we meet Penny an enthusiastic new hire; Dallergut, the flamboyant owner of the department store; Agnap Coco, producer of special dreams; Vigo Myers, an employee in the mystery department as well as a cast of curious, funny and strange clientele who regularly visit the store. When on of the most coveted and exspensive dreams gets stolen during Penny's first week, we follow along with her as she tries to uncover the workings of the wonderfully whimsical world.

Review

    I really did enjoy this book. I thought it had some great moments in the writing, character work, and world building. However, I think this book was just average in the best way.

    The world building was super fun to read about. When Penny was getting the run down on every floor of the department store, I was having the time of my life. I reeeaallyy love magical realism, so this was right up my alley. 

    I also really liked the characters. Their writing wasn't anything too fantastic or groundbreaking, it was just really nice.

    The writing was very average, but I honestly think this book didn't need it to be anything more than that.

    There really isn't much more I can say about this book. It was a super cute and quick read, it was just very average. I don't know if I am going to pick up the second book anytime soon. Maybe I will if my monthly TBRs are looking a little thin I'll see if the second book is available on Libby.

Dec. 3, 2024 – Dec. 6, 2024

★★★☆☆

Favorite Quotes: “Whether you have a good dream you bought from this department store or do not dream at all, all of us sleep in one way or another to get closure from yesterday and prepare for tomorrow. In that sense, sleep is no longer a waste of time.”