An intriguing introduction to the world of dreams.
There aren’t enough books on the planet to adequately cover the world of dreams. But Lisa Dyer gets off to a fair start in this cute hardback, which takes less than hour to read and fits right into your pocket.
The Little Book of Dreams briefly introduces dream sleep in the first chapter, where Dyer addresses dream folklore and also the science behind dreaming, including the four stages of sleep. In this section, readers are given an insight into the meaning of dreams in different cultures, the various types of dreams, and a guide on how to conduct a dream analysis. The book then launches into a manual documenting the many common dream symbols and what they might mean.
In between the dream interpretations are famous quotes about dreams. While these helped to break up the text and were motivational at times, I felt that some were out of place as they related to dreams in the context of goals and aspirations, rather than the sensations occurring during sleep.
The meanings of the dream symbols, such as a storm indicating misfortune or lost shoes pointing to instability, were helpful and might make the book a meaningful choice for a gift. This is also a great book to keep by your bed as a reference guide whenever you’re confused about a dream you’ve had.
It wasn’t clear whether the meanings of the dreams stem from psychological explanations, spiritual ones, or even traditional interpretations. Some meanings suggest that dreams have the power to tell the future, for example, dreaming of an ex can mean that an opportunity is coming to you. Others seem to indicate that dreams are mirrors into our own feelings, like snow symbolising suppressed emotions.
But given the personal nature of dreams, it seems that any school of thought can be valid in interpreting them. Sometimes the meanings of dream symbols will resonate with a person, and other times they won’t.
For those curious about recurring or confusing dreams, this book may hold the answers that you seek. It may give you an insight into your deepest emotions, but if not, it’s still a quick, easy, and charming read.
Reviewed by Vanessa Elle
Instagram: @vanessaellewrites
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Released: March 2022
RRP: $12.99