Two students arrive in Edinburgh full of hopes and dreams...and secrets. Their relationship sends them down a path they never imagined.
What if your dreams really could come true?
Dao and Sunny both grow up in Bangkok, but that's where the similarities between the two end. Dao's family are well-off and worldly, full of ambition for their daughter. Sunny's father, meanwhile, wants only for his son to take over the small hardware shop he runs and stop causing trouble. When both are offered the opportunity to come to Edinburgh, Dao to study photography, Sunny to work for his aunt, they jump at the chance.
But Dao has a secret. Whatever she dreams turns into reality around her. Gift, power or she doesn't know, but when she meets Sunny and recognises him from one of her dreams, she begins to wonder. Might her new friendship turn into something more? Or is her faith in her dreams sending her down a path she'd be better to leave unexplored...
Pim Wangtechawat's sparkling novel bursts with the magic of friendship and first love, as two unforgettable characters find out what it means to dream.
Pim Wangtechawat is a Thai-Chinese writer from Bangkok, Thailand.
Pim’s short stories, poems, and articles have been published in various websites, literary magazines and journals, including the Mekong Review, the Nikkei Asian Review, Den of Geek, and YesPoetry.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from King’s College London, and graduated with Distinction from Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland with a Masters in Creative Writing. She has performed her poetry at events in Edinburgh hosted by Shoreline of Infinity and the Scottish BAME Writers Network.
Her debut novel, The Moon Represents My Heart, will be published by OneWorld Publications in the UK in Spring 2023, with American rights bought by Blackstone Publishing. Television rights sold after a competitive auction to 21 Laps and Netflix, with actress Gemma Chan set to star and produce.
Pim is passionate about using writing to empower Thai youths, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. She has given workshops and talks at many schools and universities in Thailand, including Chulalongkorn University and Ruamrudee International.
Through her work, she aims to tell stories that reflect our shared humanity, and bring more Asian narratives to the forefront of literature.
She is currently working on her second novel, and is represented by Liza DeBlock of Mushens Entertainment.
I devoured this charming novel in two sittings! As a book club pick, it sparked wonderful discussions, and I was thrilled to meet the author - she's as warm as her writing!
The story of Dao and Sunny, two Thai young adults navigating life in Edinburgh, is both heartwarming and uplifting. I loved how the book explores immigrant experiences and the complexities of family expectations.
Dao's character is a gem - her honesty and kindness, won me over instantly. I also want to be her friend!! The Thai cultural references and dream interpretation added a unique and fascinating layer to the story. I also appreciated the portrayal of friendships (both Dao's and Sunny's). The book was not enterily focued on the romantic relationship which I appreciated it.
The writing is engaging, effortless, and full of warmth. A delightful read for anyone looking for a feel-good story!
Traversing the streets of my city through the eyes of others new to town: two Thai folk with more in common than they realise; their dreams. This was a nice tale of romance and uncertainty, both characters brought to life well so I was annoyed at Sunny and rooting for him with Dao at the same time.
I Dreamed of You is a beautifully written and emotionally layered novel that blends romance, self-discovery, and magical realism in a way that feels both fresh and intimate. The author creates a vivid atmosphere, especially in the Edinburgh setting, which adds a quiet charm and melancholy to the story.
The relationship between Dao and Sunny is tender and believable, and I appreciated how the book explored identity, family expectations, class differences, and the uncertainty of young adulthood. Dao’s dream ability adds an intriguing layer to the narrative without overpowering the emotional core of the story.
What stood out most was the book’s heart that its reflections on longing, choice, and whether love is fate or something we create ourselves. At times the pacing felt a little slow in the middle, and I wanted some emotional moments to go even deeper, but overall it was a thoughtful and moving read.
A great pick for readers who enjoy character-driven stories, soft romance, and a touch of magic. Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
A sweet and emotional novel that will resonate with many on so many levels. There’s a lot of emotions in this book – first love, being away from home, having to do what your parents expect etc. Moving to another country is always interesting in a novel but here it’s very poignant too. Where the story threads start to unravel and where the stories diverge and then come together.
It’s quite dream like too and I would say it’s a novel that whispers slowly to you as you read. Imagine seeing someone you have only seen in your dreams?
Dreamed of You has an interesting premise, blending student life in Edinburgh with elements of magical realism and questions about identity, belonging and fate. The dream motif running through the novel gives it an unusual atmosphere, and there are moments where the writing is thoughtful and quietly effective.
Overall though, this was an okay read rather than a particularly memorable one. The characters never felt fully developed enough to create much emotional pull, and the pacing occasionally drifted. The central concept also seemed slightly underused given how intriguing it initially was.
There is plenty to admire in the writing itself, and the book captures the uncertainty of early adulthood well, but it never quite came together into something especially engaging. Worth reading for the ideas and atmosphere, though not a standout read for me.
Received this book as a review copy from Times Reads. This isn't something I would usually pick up, but I'm so glad I had the chance to read it.
Do dreams really mean something? Should we let fate decide the path of our lives?
In this story, we follow Sunny and Dao as they navigate life in a foreign country. Coming from very different backgrounds, they each have their own perspectives on the world, love, and the future. Their journey beautifully captures the feeling of first love—the butterflies, the uncertainties, and all the "what ifs" that come with it.
The story is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, exploring themes of destiny, choice, and the paths we take in life.
I especially loved how the author chose to end the book. It felt realistic and stayed true to the story, making the ending all the more impactful.
This story has given me a lot to think about in regard to influence and meaning, how Dao’s belief in fortunetellers and dreams can be interchangeable with God in a way. Blindly following something, anything, is not conducive to growth. We must question, wonder, doubt, and choose. This work drives home the power of choice and autonomy without degrading faith in something more. It’s a delicate, wonderfully done balance that teaches the reader a lesson the same way a loving friend might offer a hard truth. A wonderful (though aching) read.
Honestly, it's been a while since I've read a romance book. What I loved about I Dreamed of You is that even if it is romance-centric, there are a lot of real life situations that involves both of the main characters which shaped their mindset, priorities, and growth. I commend how the author flesh out the background of both Dao and Sunny for readers to understand their attitude, beliefs, motivations and actions. And I might have my own opinions on the things that transpired between the two protagonists, I am left satisfied how their relationship was dealt with and the life they led.
An enjoyable, thoughtful read of love, friendship, family ties, and identity. The book explores the complexities of human relationships, of the baggage we bring through past experiences and dreams (both real and imagined). I’d have liked to have seen some of the harder themes explored more in-depth, but overall an engaging story.
It's been a month since I finished I Dreamed of You, and I still find myself thinking about it. On the surface, it is an easy, charming tale of young romance and two protagonists searching for a place to belong, but the longer I sit with it, the more complicated and interwoven the themes and ideas explored are.
I highly recommend it if you are looking for a simple read with a sustained impact.
What a phenomenal read! Pim's second novel is a classic cozy of first love. The immersion of this story was intoxicating - I felt like I was working Sunny's supermarket shift and posing for Dao's portraits. I loved it 💕
I Dreamed Of You is a great, chill, summer holiday read. I enjoyed the way the author describes familiar pangs of homesickness and family bonds while still keeping the focus on the main characters.