THE DREAM PEDDLER by Martine Fournier Watson is a debut novel which deals with grief, loss and secret longing. Set in rural America in the early twentieth century, this novel centers on Robert Owens, a travelling salesman. In the appendix which contains a conversation with the author, Watson explains, "I understood why Robert had chosen to live a solitary, nomadic life and I allowed that to inform everything he does." Initially, he brings hope to the town, but scandal erupts and the minister preaches against dream-buying. This novel begins rather slowly, but the writing is very descriptive and portrays the superstitions and narrow-mindedness of many of the townspeople. A possible choice for book groups, THE DREAM PEDDLER contains a reader's guide with several discussion questions.

If I had to describe this book in two words - it would be tragedies and dreams.
They are all connected in this book. The Dream Paddler took a little longer for me to finish, and although I loved the title, I somehow could not get into the storyline.
For me... there was too many tragedies there.
For me it was just OK read. For you, perhaps you will see it in completely another view - better than mine!

The Dream Peddler appears in a small town the same day as a tragic event. Slowly revealing his magical wares, many will make secret use of his talent, yet only one will ask for the dreams to stop. It will take a second tragedy before the town questions his motives and morality. What has this stranger revealed about the townspeople? How do they see themselves by comparison? Can we control our dreams? Are they simply the power of suggestion? A thought-provoking and melancholy story filled with longing and misunderstanding.