But it’s not all kittens and raclette crepes: Knisley’s experiences are colored by anxieties, introspective self-inquiries, and quotidian revelations ― about traveling alone in unfamiliar countries, and about her life and career ― that many young adults will relate to.Īn Age of License ― which takes its name from a French saying ― is an Eat, Pray, Love for the alternative comics fan. After an invitation to speak at Raptus Comic Fest in Bergen, Norway, Knisley takes the opportunity to plan a trip around Europe to visit friends and family.

An Age of License is a travel journal written by Lucy Knisley that details her trip around Europe in the fall of 2011. 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 hallmark ― drawings and descriptions of food that will make your mouth water. An Age of License Lucy Knisley Fantagraphics October 2014. (Feb.Acclaimed cartoonist Lucy Knisley got an opportunity that most only dream of: a travel-expenses-paid trip Europe/Scandinavia, thanks to a book tour.Īn Age of License is Knisley’s comics travel memoir recounting her charming (and romantic!) adventures. Knisley%E2%80%99s experiences are a reminder of the fragility of age and fleeting nature of youth, but there%E2%80%99s no real knockout revelation here. 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. Lucy%E2%80%99s own private journey about being confused, lost, and lonely for love at her stage of life is balanced with the humorous mishaps and heartbreaking deterioration of her grandparents, all told with a mix of comics, illustrations without text, and hand-lettered journal entries. An Age of License is Knisley’s comics travel memoir recounting her charming (and romantic) adventures. His observations are insightful and detailed%E2%80%94even more could have been mixed into the book. She brings her grandfather%E2%80%99s World War II memoir along with her, and segments of the memoir are interspersed within the text, giving us a glimpse into her grandfather%E2%80%99s young life. Not a seasoned caretaker, Lucy struggles with cleaning up her grandfather%E2%80%99s soiled pants and guarding her grandparents%E2%80%99 cabin door so they don%E2%80%99t wander off. Her grandmother is dipping into dementia, packing numerous toothbrushes and combs, and insisting on buying even more at the ship%E2%80%99s store. She ends up dealing with more than she expected, however, as her grandparents are no longer very mobile and have high demands on her attention. Lucy accompanies her aging grandparents on a Caribbean cruise.

After her acclaimed travelogues French Milk and An Age of License, Knisley returns with a new travel memoir, this one focusing on duty rather than adventure.

An Age of License by Lucy Knisley