An Age Of License

Lucy Knisley’s latest food-themed graphic memoir recounts her adventures (some romantic) on a European book tour.

Acclaimed cartoonist Lucy Knisley (French Milk, Relish) got an opportunity that most only dream of: a travel-expenses-paid trip to Europe/Scandinavia, thanks to a book tour. An Age of License is Knisley’s comics travel memoir recounting her charming (and romantic!) adventures. It’s punctuated by whimsical visual devices (such as a “new experiences” funnel); peppered with the cute cats she meets along the way; and, of course, features her hallmarkdrawings and descriptions of food that will make your mouth water. But it’s not all kittens and raclette crepes: Knisley’s experiences are colored by anxieties, introspective self-inquiries, and quotidian revelationsabout traveling alone in unfamiliar countries, and about her life and careerthat many young adults will relate to. An Age of Licensewhich takes its name from a French sayingis an Eat, Pray, Love for the alternative comics fan.