Seated in the elegant surroundings of the Tate Britain restaurant, I overhear two friends catching up. One of them enthusiastically shows the other the results of her sleep app. She points to a graph and wonders where it indicates she was dreaming. She ponders what it might mean. I can’t help but smile at the coincidence. I am in the café preparing to write my review. It’s about Dallergut Dream Department Store, the sensational Korean bestseller by Miye Lee. The book is translated into English by Sandy Joosun Lee.

This enchanting debut novel is a masterpiece of magical realism. Beautifully and imaginatively written, it introduces a parallel universe where dream makers, sellers, and department store owners exist alongside the human waking world. In this realm, as humans drift into deep slumber, they wander into department stores to purchase dreams that resonate with them—dreams that offer experiences far beyond what their waking lives could ever provide. From healing and fantasy dreams to thrilling adventures, the variety on offer is endless.

“Dreams are not merely a respite from reality; they are a reflection of our deepest desires, fears, and possibilities. In dreams, we find the freedom to explore who we truly are.”

Korean culture places a special significance on the idea of buying and selling dreams. Miye has re-created this concept in a vibrant and fantastical way. In her world, customers explore the store to select their dreams. They pay for these dreams not in currency, but through emotions experienced after the dream unfolds.

At the heart of the story is Penny, our captivating protagonist. A new recruit at the  Dallergut Dream Department Store, Penny embarks on her dream job in every sense of the phrase. Through her journey, we meet a vivid cast of characters, including Assam, the Noctilucus. I imagine this enigmatic creature as a cross between a furry giant dog and a lion—though I do wonder what the author envisioned while crafting it. Inspired by the book, I even asked ChatGPT to generate an image based on the descriptions, with interesting results! (see below) Do you agree?

Amongst the many characters in the book, such as the dream sellers and the dream makers, the titular character – Dallergut – is the deep and wise, kind hearted individual but slightly eccentric owner of the store.

The world of The Dallergut Dream Department Store introduces quirky and intriguing concepts. These include onion milk and Calm Cookies. These treats are designed to ease stress and anxiety.

I recommended the book to a friend who was on holiday in the Maldives, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. She wrote: “The book was whimsical, imaginative, and an easy read. I really enjoyed it.” She found it particularly amusing that the dream “Three Nights in the Maldives” was sold out in the dream shop, given her location.

What truly captivated me were the interwoven snippets of human stories—brief glimpses of how the dreams purchased in this magical realm impact the waking lives of those who experience them. These moments bridge the extraordinary with the ordinary, reminding us of the transformative power of imagination and the subconscious.

Dallergut Dream Department Store lets readers escape into a world of dreams. In this world, dreams are as tangible as the choices we make. It’s a book that stays on your mind, much like a vivid dream you can’t quite shake off after waking.

This book along with two other books (The Second Chance Convenience Store and Welcome To The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop) marks the start of the K-Healing genre. It is currently becoming quite popular both in Korea and abroad.

It’s easy to see why the book was named Waterstones’ Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of the Month in August. It’s a light, enjoyable read that combines humour and creativity, making it a great choice for anyone looking for something a bit different.

If you have read the book and now want more, the sequel to the novel is available. Return To The Dallergut Dream Department Store.

‘Dallergut Dream Department Store’ by Miye Lee and translated by Sandy Joosun Lee available to buy in all good bookshops. Published by Wildfire