Let us delve into a bright little book: “Dallergut Dream Department Store” by Miye Lee. This vibrant, reflective cover caught my attention in every bookshop in the UK:
Today I have decided to launch a new format for my book reviews: 5 Facets in 500 Words. In addition to my in-depth reviews that comprise 2000+ words and explore nine aspects of each book, I will be publishing these shorter posts.
Book Review of “Dallergut Dream Department Store”
Table of Contents:
Plot and Character Development
Summary
“Dallergut Dream Department Store” was written by Miye Lee and originally published in South Korea in 2020. I read the English translation by Sandy Joosun Lee. The book is based on an intriguing idea. Picture this: Every time you fall into a deep sleep, you visit a dream world in which you can purchase… well… dreams! You won’t even need money to do this. Instead, the store will receive its payment in a different, mysterious way… You will wake up after experiencing the dream of your choosing, but you won’t remember the purchase or the world in which the department store is located. The main character, Penny, is just as intrigued and clueless as you are probably feeling at this point. She becomes an employee at the “Dallergut Dream Department Store”. The plot follows Penny through her first year of work as she comes into contact with various “dreammakers” and customers.
My Experience
Sadly, I have to start my book review by saying that I feel quite disappointed by “Dallergut Dream Department Store”. The cover and book design are beautiful, vibrant and fun. However, the reading experience is neither because nothing is explained nor coherent. Rather than a plot, there is an inexplicable and incoherent series of vignettes.
I am left with many questions about how the dream world works. If you have not read the book, please skip ahead to the next facet. If you have read it, could you please help me out by answering these questions in the comments?
- What kind of beings are living in the dream world?
- How did the permanent residents get there?
- Is there a dark secret?
- Does every person on the planet go to this world whenever they sleep deeply?
- How can the department store have barely more than a thousand customers if they serve eight billion people?
- Which language is spoken there?
- Is it possible for any animal, human or dream world resident to have a dream that does not come from a store?
How does it all work? It seems inappropriate and dissatisfying never to raise and answer these questions, even if it is the first book in a series.
Plot and Character Development
There is no plot. Not even the phrase “no plot, just vibes” applies here since the writing does not invoke a clear and singular mood. For the entire length of the book, the vibe switches between mundane, business-like, reflective, emotional and sad. The chapters seem designed to each address a different theme. There are some emotional gut punches and a sense of foreboding whenever they are just around the corner. It all feels contrived.
There are a few immersive descriptions of dreams, yet NEVER of the fun and enjoyable dreams. The characters seem to care little about the advertised “whimsical magic of dreams” or the “escape from the exhausting reality of daily life”. Instead, the characters feel forgettable and superficial, in the sense that they care about their business and reputation. They are caught in the grind and hustle of daily life even though they might be magical beings in a dream world.
Highlights and Lowlights
Highlights: I would recommend it for readers who want an ambitious, intriguing premise and a bright, wonderful design.
Lowlights: If you are interested in a thoughtful, coherent and satisfying story, this will not be a good match.
Conclusion and Rating
I am giving “Dallergut Dream Department Store” a rating of 3.00 out of 5 stars. It is beautifully designed but it does not live up to expectations. If you are a reader who wants the world of the book to be explained, you will not get answers.
Bibliography: Lee, M. (2024). Dallergut Dream Department Store. Headline Publishing Group.
Let’s discuss in the comments or per email: Did you understand the world of “Dallergut Dream Department Store”? What kind of dream would you choose?
Thank you for reading my review. It means a lot to me. I aim to offer you inspiration and information for your reading journey and daily life. Do not miss out on my future blog posts and book reviews! They will include fiction and non-fiction books, recommendations, guides, advice, success stories and useful examples that will help you to create the learning goals, reading experiences and daily life of your dreams. Let’s connect!
Julia Radi 