Graphic Novel Review: Relish: My Life in the Kitchen

Food is an essential part of life that people might not always give much thought to. Not only is it necessary for sustenance and survival, but it can also be a defining cultural characteristic. For Lucy Knisley, food has been a part of her life since she was a young girl. In Relish: My Life in the Kitchen, Knisley relates a series of stories from her life that all have one important thing in common: food. Equal parts memoir and cookbook, Relish is a vastly entertaining book.

Knisley is more than well-qualified to talk about food, and she establishes her food credibility quite well. She grew up around talented cooks and food sellers, including a mother who exposed her to different foods and who sold food in stores and at different markets. Knisley has also sold food herself, and has traveled extensively with both of her parents, trying food from many different countries along the way.

Of course, one doesn’t necessarily require qualifications to talk about food, but the extra experience certainly shows in Knisley’s writing. She writes very knowledgably, and the recipes that she provides at the end of each chapter are both well-informed and well-tested. They are clearly illustrated and easy to follow, and avoid reading like dry instruction manuals.

Even without all of the details about the food to tie the book together, the short stories are effective all on their own. Knisley’s work is relatable, and she shares enough details about herself and her family that the reader can get a good sense of what they’re like. Her stories are often funny, as when she writes about her love of junk food, and occasionally poignant, particularly when she’s writing about her family. The food details are certainly important, but even without them her storytelling is very strong.

The best thing about this book is how hungry you will get reading it. Knisley’s passion for food is evident on every page, and it’s contagious in a way that will make even the least-skilled cook wants to fire up their stove and try something new. The variety of recipes is excellent, from authentic huevos rancheros to “THE BEST chocolate chip cookies.” Readers can even learn how to roll their own sushi, which Knisley makes look much easier than one might expect.

As a memoir, Relish: My Life in the Kitchen is incredibly successful. Knisley brings readers into her life and both entertains and teaches them some things about food. As a cookbook, Relish is equally enjoyable. The biggest problem one might have with this book is in keeping stray food off of it.