A review by bethanyangharads
DallerGut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee

hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No

4.0

Drawn in by the cover, this novel is set in a magical store where dreams of all kinds are sold, new employee Penny must solve the mystery of a stolen, coveted dream. Set in a whimsical town hidden in the subconscious, the story follows Penny and her eccentric colleagues as they navigate a world full of strange customers and mysterious happenings.

When I first picked up this novel, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found it fascinating. Each chapter felt like a self-contained short story, yet the overall narrative required a more cohesive approach. Already, I can tell this is a book I’ll remember. The premise is unique and intriguing, offering something refreshingly different. While I struggled at times with the writing style—possibly due to translation—it’s hard to say if that’s a result of the text not flowing as smoothly in English or a deliberate choice. Though there are darker moments, like dying people sending dreams to loved ones, the novel maintains an overall sense of hope and calm.