Rahul Vishnoi reviews DallerGut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee, translated from Korean by Sandy Joosun Lee (published by Wildfire, 2023).
Dreams have long dominated movies, the visual medium, and apart from sporadic uses, mostly in horror novels, they largely have been left alone by authors as a primary plot of the book. Perhaps the most famous dream-centric work one remembers is Christopher Nolan’s Inception. But do you remember a book or a movie where dreams are dealt with lightly? Ahoy, look no further. DallerGut Dream Department Store is here for you. Written by Miye Lee and translated from Korean by Sandy Joosun Lee, this light-hearted book reminds you of a sweet, heart-warming animated caper that brings joy and warmth to the time you spend with the spine of the book cracked.
The Whimsical World of DallerGut
The premise of the story is original and the execution is spot on. 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. Dreams of flying 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 number of interesting personalities like DallerGut, the Wonkaesque 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.
From Aspirant to Dream Weaver: Penny’s Journey
A light dose for anyone exhausted from the reality of their daily life, Miye Lee’s book works best if you just go with the flow of the story and let yourself loose into this uncanny yet lovable world.
There is a certain charm to the stories here and I particularly felt myself drawn towards this mysterious world where nothing seems right yet everything is. The dream world has mostly been portrayed either in a horror setting, giving particular, screechy attention to nightmares, or in mysterious thriller-like plots, where a race against time and reality takes place, confounding the characters and the readers.
Seldom a story comes when dreams bring a happy tingle to your reading palate, stirring up a frothy vibe with a happy-go-lucky, bumbling protagonist. Miye Lee’s DallerGut Dream Department Store is unique and entertaining in that sense. The short story of the third disciple who asked the Time God to rule in the dream world written as a part of the dreamverse increases the stakes. And yet, the story largely remains towards a lighter, happier side.
The interview sequence with Mr DallerGut where Penny is desperate to get a job in the most famous dream department store is one of the finest written sequences, bringing forth the hesitation, desperation, anticipation and satisfaction of the bumbling Penny. But why is she dying to get a job in a dream department store? What’s so special about it? Here it is:
Working at the DallerGut Dream Department Store is a job coveted by every young person. The high pay, the glamorous architecture that is a city landmark, the various incentives and the thoughtful employee benefits of free dreams doled out on special occasions – there are just too many reasons to want to work there. The locals are familiar with the long pedigree of the DallerGut family. In fact, the family is the origin of the city. The prospect of working with Mr DallerGut makes Penny’s heart swell so much that she thinks her whole body might swell up too, like a balloon.
– Miye Lee, DallerGut Dream Department Store
Philosophical Musings in a Dreamscape
Penny is a reflection of an average reader/human, in search of something in a dream world that they can’t find in their reality. She is an alter ego to our existence in reality, making us want to live vicariously through her in a world where we can’t only see the dreams of our choices but live them as well. She brings a relatable charm to the story, going on with the daily proceedings of the DallerGut Dream Department Store, trying to keep her head down but the trouble always seems to find her.
Tiny little nuggets of wisdom are strewn all across the story. Sample this:
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.
– Miye Lee, DallerGut Dream Department Store
Disguised as dreams, this book packs a lot of heavy philosophical punches in a frothy glove while keeping your smile strong.
Favourite Quote from DallerGut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
There are a handful of philosophical conversations between DallerGut and Penny. My favourite is:
‘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.‘
