Book Review | THE DREAM PEDDLER by Martine Fournier Watson

   

April 9th, 2019
Penguin Books

A page-turning debut novel about a traveling salesman who arrives to sell dreams to a town rocked by a child’s disappearance—both a thoughtful meditation on grief and magical exploration of our innermost desires. -Goodreads

An unusual man, Robert Owens, came to town to sell bottled dreams, each specifically made for the buyer's hidden cravings. In spite of subtlety, it became apparent that almost everyone in town is buying from Mr. Owens. People want to live inside their dreams more and more. And soon enough, varied motives are pushing Mr. Owens out of town - suspicions, gossips, and lies.

Beautiful words. 
Ms. Martine can weave exquisite phrases, fully vivid, it can transport the reader. She assembled a dynamic cast for her story. Between them, layers of character development and contrasting emotions pushed the narrative forward. Themes of holding on and letting go are evocatively knitted. The ending could have been better, though. I believe it does not give the well-built plot justice.

Overall, THE DREAM PEDDLER is an engaging book. Anyone who loves good tension and emotional examinations in the plot will enjoy this. And I will look forward to Ms. Martine's future works.

Book details:
Title:  The Dream Peddler
Author: Martine Fournier Watson
Publication:  April 9, 2019; Penguin Books
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Rating:  ★★★ 1/2



*Thank you Penguin Books and Edelweiss for DRC, in exchange for this unbiased review.