Dreamland: An Evening Standard 'Best New Book' of 2021

Product Information

However, the books can also prove confusing for some people. In fact, the biggest Dreamland fans will tell you that they have a basic understanding of the military, its structure, and operations, not to mention military vehicles and planes. As a historical fiction novel though, I thought it was wonderful and really enjoyed reading it. This is a seasoned historical fiction writer who continues to showcase her historical knowledge and writing skills! Lydia was my favourite! I think I would have preferred to read from her perspective as she was such an interesting and complex character, with the most growth. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***

Peggy Battenberg is a young heiress who struggles against the bonds of societal restrictions placed on women of her class. Peggy, against her families wishes takes a job at the Moonrise Bookstore, and lives with her ex teacher. When her family intervenes, and she is told that she is required to take a summer vacation at the Oriental Hotel, a once-grand oceanfront resort on Coney Island. For the sake of her sister Lydia, who is engaged to the rich Henry Taul, Peggy succumbs to her family’s wishes. It sounds like all the characters would be detestable, and while many are, I liked Peggy and Lydia, and enjoyed hating the others! Peggy wants to make her own name for herself and loves books, with a fierce independent streak. And we can’t forget about Stefan, a humble Serbian artist her family hugely disapproves of - for fans of forbidden love! There was no sound from the other side; the doorknob did not turn.Despite her intuition, Peggy finds herself swept off to the summering hotel and into Dreamland.Peggy Batternberg is a member of one of the wealthiest families in America, but she doesn’t behave in the manner expected of her position in life - this is 1911, a time when privileged and wealthy young women had to maintain an air of respectability, and were told what they could and couldn’t do, especially by their menfolk. Above is the Oriental Hotel during the 1890's. This is the hotel that Peggy's family stayed at in the story. Read more about Coney Island Historic Luxury Hotels. While Colby and Morgan are falling in love, Beverly is on the run with her six-year-old son, from an abusive marriage. Fearing for her life, and her son’s life, she makes sure she is able to escape without a trace. She wonders if she can ever completely escape the clutches of such a controlling man. If Paris is France, then Coney Island, between June and September, is the world." (George C. Tilyou, 1886)

And here comes the star. Benny Boy. Well, Ben, but I enjoyed his character way too much I started calling him that every time he blessed me with his presence. I don't know what that makes me conceding that he was as twisted and cruel as the other Batternberg family members but he was something else entirely. He was not quite like his father, David Batternberg, but neither was he as honest as Peggy. For me, Peggy and Ben made quite a duo. One day her uncle shows up and tells her she must join the family for the summer at the Oriental Hotel near Coney Island. Her sister is engaged to a wealthy man and the marriage is important as their father squandered their money away and they need the money that their marriage will bring. While out one evening at Dreamland at Coney Island Peggy meets an artist, Stefan, and she soon falls for him. He opens her eyes to the world outside her little bubble.

System Requirements

Dreamland is a techno-thriller. The name ‘Dreamland’ refers to a testing facility in the Nevada desert. The facility plays host to the most advanced aerospace technology in the world. The first Dreamland book came out in 2001. Ever since then, Dale Brown has written one Dreamland series novel every single year, and most of them have been received well by his fans. I shipped Peggy with someone else, even though I absolutely HATE myself for it. If you’ve read this you probably know and if not… just know I hate my brain and I need to stop reading messed up new adult romances.