The Dallergut Dream Department Store
by Lee Mi-ye Translated by Sandy Joosun Lee.
The thing that gave me the most pause in this book was actually the genre. I was expecting a full-on fantasy but it's really a slice of life or cozy. This is not a bad thing - just not what I expected! Read on for my book review!
The story follows the main character through her new job at the Dallergut department store and learning about the department store as she works in it, but there’s very little character development for the main character. We are there for what happens through her interactions in the store and the people she meets—and this is not a bad thing at all. The story is compelling enough to turn pages because the most amazing thing about this book is the world building.
The premise of a 24hr department store that sells dreams is highly creative—and intriguing. There are so many little creative details that I won’t share and ruin for readers - but this is the core attraction of the book.
The characters are also vibrant and well-crafted with very, very distinct almost cartoon-like or anime-like colorful details. They would easily be able to be cast for a Hollywood production of the book. The whole idea is very cinematic.
There are teachable moments in the book, and normally that might irk me, but here it seems like it’s integrated into the form of slice of life and very artfully done. There are also some awesome little food moments sprinkled throughout. After finishing it, it’s staying with me, and I’m mulling over the little things that intrigued me. It’s a book to talk about and to share. I’ll be recommending it to friends. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for providing an Advance Reader’s Copy for an honest review.
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