If I had An Age of License: A Travelogue by Lucy Knisley before her others, I don’t think I would have liked her writing as much as I do. Usually her work has a humorous edge to things, even when it is the serious story of dating, getting married or having a baby. Her semi-autobiographical books (the younger readers) also are lighter and great in color and details but are not overwhelming.
With her travelogue graphic novel we are given a journal/diary of a few weeks she spends in Europe doing work, having fun, exploring, having crazy good sex, and doing lots of drinking. It is a love letter to the years of our 20s where you can live, laugh, love, make mistakes, grow and learn. Quirky characters (including the author herself) all come alive as we explore with Lucy. But I never felt anything was completely fleshed out, but since it is a travelog, we probably should just get the highlights of things. What we see feels as if it is her actual journal/diary/sketchbook that is holding her place until the “real deal” happens. But the results are well done and an enjoyable read. She gives us the story, a peek into her life, but does not invade others privacy too much, or even her own.
There is no BOOM! CRUSHING EVENT(S), but things are not without action. It is still a cozy read. The illustrations are mostly black and white but every so often a splash of color comes along and really pops the story into place. This is a book for fans of the author, but also if you enjoy just reading a quiet book that gives a peek into a person’s life for a short moment, but a strong part of their development.
