Translator: Sandy Joosun Lee
Published: April 2020
Pages: 243
Summary
In a mysterious town hidden in our collective subconscious there’s a department store that sells dreams. Day and night, visitors both human and animal shuffle in to purchase their latest adventure. Each floor specializes in a specific type of dream: childhood memories, food dreams, ice skating, dreams of stardom. Flying dreams are almost always sold out. Some seek dreams of loved ones who have died.
For Penny, an enthusiastic new hire, working at the store is the opportunity of a lifetime. As she uncovers the workings of this whimsical world, she bonds with a cast of unforgettable characters, including DallerGut, the flamboyant and wise owner, Babynap Rockabye, a famous dream designer, Maxim, a nightmare producer, and the many customers who dream to heal, dream to grow, and dream to flourish.
My thoughts
Where do we go when we fall asleep at night?
This is a book that explores an alternate world in our minds that we drift to once we fall asleep at night. Our characters work at a shop selling dreams for those that have fallen asleep and arrive in their pyjamas. We get to follow some of those customers to understand what’s on their mind when they fall asleep. What are they escaping from, what pain are they holding onto, or what are they looking forward to?
I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of stories. Some of those were incredibly sad and it was painful once I finally put the dots together and understood. I’ve seen many negative reviews which say there is no plot just vibes, which I disagree with to be honest. It may not be a typical plot template but there is lots to see, learn and reflect.
“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.”
This is a whimsical story that takes a whole other look at falling asleep. I wonder if we really do go off to an imaginary dream store in our subconscious, is that why I wake up with the memory of some boggling dreams!
But it is incredibly interesting and I’ve never read a take like that before. The dreams in this store are so interesting anything from killer whales to floating in space. Others were focussed more on the feeling a customer wanted instead of a specific situation. If they wanted to feel calm or love, or remembrance. There are others that want to feel sadness or anger, it was really good to explore. I’ve always been a voice that there are no ‘bad’ or ‘good’ feelings and I like that this book took a simil1ar open approach.
Everything that was addressed in this book was approached with consideration and open to reflection. There was many opportunities to take on board the words and think about your own life and the weight you or others might be carrying. It’s a book centred around empathy.
I am also a sucker for stories within stories (hey, The Starless Sea) so I loved seeing all the insights we got of the store’s customers.
“I believe there are two ways to love your life, Penny. The first is to work hard to change your life when you feel unsatisfied.’
‘That seems about right.’ Penny nods.
‘The second option may look easier, but is actually more difficult. And even if you do change your life through the first option, you must ultimately get through the second to be at complete peace.’
‘And what is that?’
‘To accept your life as it is and be grateful. It’s easier said than done. But if you can do it, I believe this will help you realise happiness has just been around the corner.”
These characters are so loveable, even the difficult ones. This is a simple story of human beings. I saw a review that was of the view this was a ‘story of people helping people’ and they are absolutely right. There is no turmoil, no drama, no danger, just people in a dream shop trying to help their customers by giving them the dream that they need.
“The more we learn, the more insistent our curiosity becomes. And the more complicated our questions get, the more we wish for simple answers.”
Would I recommend?
Yes, a whimsical dream world of helping people find what they may not know that they need. This is a book to have with a hot cuppa and blanket. Just snuggle and get lost in all the stories. Maybe have a tissue ready..
I just finished this too! The premise of the story was fascinating and I liked that we got to see what ‘normal’ life was life for the characters living in the dream world. I think it’s a book you definitely have to be in the mood for though because it’s so low stakes! Are you planning on reading book 2?
Totally agree with you! This book is part story, part vibe. I actually read book two a while ago but sadly I didn’t enjoy it. I think I gave it 3 stars. For me, it didn’t have the same whimsy and love that I felt for this book. It lost it’s way a bit and wasn’t as tied together as the first. Saying that, you may still enjoy it so if you do read it, let me know! 🙂