Book Review: "The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich" By Deya Muniz

As soon as I saw the cheese puns, I knew I had to read The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz. Inspired by a real-life moment between the author and her wife, she transforms one frustrated grilled cheese memory into a bright graphic novel rom-com about our protagonist, the secretive Count Camembert, and her budding relationship with the fashionable activist Princess Brie. 

The story plays out like a modern Shakespeare play of mistaken identity. The law of this land states that only a son or a husband can inherit from their family. Lady Camembert has no desire to marry a man, but her father is terminally ill and she is his only child. Realizing that Lady Camembert will not settle into a fake marriage, her father helps her create a plan to disguise herself as a man after he dies so that she may inherit her family's estate as his son. 

Shortly after her father passes, Lady Camembert moves to the capital city of the Kingdom of Fromage as Count Camembert (shortened to Cam) to pass the time between her father's death and her emergence as his mysterious, distant son. Only her trusted servant Feta moves with her to the city and knows her secret. 

But Cam can't keep to herself, especially when a ball allows her to meet the fashion icon and animal rights activist Princess Brie. As the two grow closer, can Cam keep her secret and her relationship with the princess?

With light colors and a pastel aesthetic, this graphic novel is inviting with its heartwarming story and fun illustrations. The author's combination of cheese puns and fashion discourse creates a witty dialogue that had me giggling while learning more about fashion as an act of rebellion. The art style complements this balance of thoughtful and playful storytelling as it shifts between realistic portrayals and cartoonish styles to emphasize the character's emotions.

The anachronistic setting can be jarring, blending the Regency era with modern technology. The moment Cam pulled out a copyright-friendly Nintendo Switch, my brain switched from enjoying the story to questioning the mechanics of their world.

However, I quickly forgot these minor details as the story sucked me in again with Feta trying to keep her cool as Cam effortlessly almost blew their cover again while trying to impress Princess Brie.

You may want to have a grilled cheese ready as you read in case you get a craving—just don't get crumbs on this book! This is a delightful, cheesy graphic novel that had me laughing and crying throughout the read. Check out The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich from any JCLC member, including all Birmingham Public Library locations.

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By Cheyenne Trujillo | Library Assistant Ⅲ, Public Relations Department