The Restaurant at the Edge of the World

By Author / Illustrator

Oliver Gerlach

Genre

Comics & Graphic Novels

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Faber & Faber

ISBN

9780571381609

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

02-01-2025

Synopsis

Heartstopper meets Nimona meets Legends & Lattes in this stunning graphic novel where Soup must battle her evil boss in a fantastical cooking competition.

At seventeen, Soup is at a crossroads, eager to make her mark on the world, yet reluctant to leave the restaurant she calls home. The last thing on her to-do list is to overthrow the patriarchy, but when her elven boss snaps at her she begins to see his pattern of abuse, starting in the kitchen. Something's got to give, and the answer is simple: a bet for the restaurant.

If Soup wins the cooking competition, she'll claim the business and protect her village. If she loses, she'll have to leave her home and stand by as the food community she loves is razed to the ground.

With friends and chosen family rallying around her, Soup has a chance to win. Yet, everyone knows villains don't fight fair and this restaurateur is not going to give up his throne so easily . . .

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Reviews

Linda

17-year-old Soup has always lived at The Brazen Manticore, a restaurant where she was abandoned many years ago. She has grown up in the kitchen and has been taught by those around her. Soup now lives and breathes food, and dreams of being a chef as good as her boss, the elven Trysil Heldritch, her idol. However, when she adds her own food to his menu, she sees a side of him that he has never displayed before and it brings her to a crossroads in her life. Does she leave all she knows and make her own mark in the world, or stay and fight for those she loves and the restaurant she calls home?

The Restaurant at the Edge of the World is a stunning graphic novel with wonderful illustrations that tells a story of standing up for what you believe, taking a risk and trusting your friends. The main protagonist, Soup, is a very relatable character, especially with her dreams of becoming a chef and with her emotional conflict when her actions reveal a side to her mentor that causes her to question everything.

The story is suitable for the 11+ reader and would also be great for reluctant readers/intervention groups as there are many opportunities for discussion on the subjects of verbal abuse, bullying, friendship and of course a passion for food. My only little disappointment is that the author doesn't give the reader enough information about the characters he has created within the story; there are fae and elves - but what are the other creatures in this delicious fantasy world? However, it could also be a deliberate choice to encourage the reader's imagination. It might give them more freedom to envision the world in their own way.

Overall, this debut novel not only celebrates food and the art of cooking but also delves into important personal and social themes, making it a great pick for young readers and those who appreciate stories with heart and substance.

240 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian