“A simple ‘thank you’ changed my life…”
Travels with Maurice: An Outrageous Adventure in Europe, 1968
Travels with Maurice is a portrait of a lifelong friendship between me, a tire salesman’s son from Rhode Island, and the enigmatic Maurice—a fabulously wealthy Iranian socialite and son of a mysterious billionaire. Although mismatched, after college, we set off on a swashbuckling adventure through Europe. The narrative is similar to Bill Bryson’s hit memoir, Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe in that it concerns two friends traversing across Europe in search of enlightenment, beer, and women. My odyssey is packed with the interesting characters we met at every step—the Shah of Iran, Empress Farah known as “The Imperial Princess” of Iran, Bridget Bardot, and even Shirley Temple Black, just to name few, as well as our numerous amorous encounters, our gambling shenanigans, and what I believe you will find are engrossing plot twists and turns.
—Gary Orleck, author
5 Stars!
“‘Travels With Maurice’ is a gem of a book that just sneaks up on you with its greatness. While the title makes you think it’s a travelogue or road trip book (and we’ve all read enough of these), Travels is so much more. The story begins with a toast in a bar to the news that an old friend has died; you are quickly drawn into the world of Gary Orleck, who did a simple favor for Maurice, a fellow student at Babson College, and then found his life changed in a way that he could have never foreseen.
Soon, this son of a tire businessman found himself driving through Europe in the height of the 60s with the son of an Iranian billionaire in a bright red Mustang. Going from a world of limitations and “no’s,” Gary found the doors unlocked, the curtains were drawn back and in the company of the rich, famous artists from exclusive music venues in London, clubs in the south of France with exclusive underground dance rooms, dancing with Bridgette Bardot, dining with the Shah of Iran and in the midst of military tensions during the Cold War.
So ‘Travels With Maurice’ is a travelogue or a road trip book, right?
And that is where the magic of this book lies. The lifelong friendship, the lessons learned, and the change of attitude towards Gary’s life itself make this book an incredible read. While Maurice, as the son of a rich man, could have easily skated through Europe and his life on his family’s money, he was incredibly aware of the people around him, their hopes, their dreams and tried to make their interaction with him, however brief, meaningful and memorable. Sure, Travels has its share of women, parties, 60’s music stars, and well, exactly what you might expect from two young American men driving a sports car with a copious amount of money, but the treasure of this book is in the way these two young men changed each other for the better.
The book gives you a choice. You can read it as an incredible, funny, and heartwarming road trip book. You can let yourself be immersed in this world the author, Gary, got to experience once-in-a-lifetime, but you will be doing yourself a disservice. The richness of this personal story will find you savoring every page, from the toast that opens it to the story of these two men’s lives long after their time together in Europe.
This is not a simple book. It is an invitation by Gary to the reader to go on a journey with him that isn’t measured in miles driven, but in years of life that he has finally been able to put down on pages that you simply won’t be able to stop turning.” – Michael Berman
5 Stars-“Outrageous, yes but Poignant!
Gary Orleck has scored a masterpiece in this one-of-a-kind story! I didn’t want it to end, hungering for more in the home stretch. Gary is a superb raconteur, and the story itself is beyond anything imaginable. Besides the entertaining glamour, shock, humor and terror of the events, is the profound sensitivity, tenderness and wisdom of the author. Expecting only a sort of raucous ride through the pages, Travels with Maurice weaves in humanity, humility, morality, faith and love. Wherever you’re dashing off to for holiday, this is what you want for a memorable summer read. Trust me!” – Mark Higgins
4-Stars! Sparked Memories! Gary Orleck brings his memoir to life!
“What a grand title in Travels with Maurice An Outrageous Adventure In Europe In 1968 by Gary Orleck. I haven’t read work from this author before, and I enjoyed this story. The prologue sets the tone for what sparked the story. The story is narrated in first person and revolves around adventures with Maurice. A dear friend to the narrator, the author, probably best friend. A chance encounter with Maurice, who refers to Gary as Garree, brings on the adventure. “I could see his mind working for a moment before he responded. ‘Garree, let’s say that we each take three thousand dollars with us and when one of us goes broke, we’ll both come back home.” This story is about the life that Gary led, and each time he and Maurice would meet, it was always interesting, and sometimes dangerous. I enjoyed reading Gary’s story, as well as Maurice’s story, because one adventure changed their lives. It’s a lifetime of stories, and very enjoyable. Travels With Maurice an Outrageous In Europe In 1968 is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.”- Amy Shannon, Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews
5 Stars – A journey of a lifetime!
“Wow is the first word that comes to mind. This stroll down memory lane for a trip taken by Gary and Maurice was terrific. While I would like to say it is hard to believe all of this happened and the details that Gary remembered, I don’t doubt a word that was written. This is also a story of an unlikely friendship. Maurice is from a wealthy Iranian family, and Gary is from a small New England family. But this is what made it work. They each brought experiences to the table that the other may not have ever experienced had it not been for this friendship. Maurice’s experiences were ones that many of us might only dream of – meeting royalty, staying in nice hotels, and gambling with other people’s money. But Gary brought humble beginnings and family to the table. Despite all that Maurice’s money could buy, it can’t purchase home-cooked meals and close-knit family ties.” – StoreyBook Reviews
5 Stars-Fantastic read!
“This is one of those books that you will not want to put down. What will happen next? Where will there next adventure take them? The book is extremely well written with such a smooth flow that includes such vivid detail. You feel like you’re there watching Gary and Maurice go about their travels. It is one of those books that you’re genuinely sad that it has to end. The author’s ability to tell his story only makes you want more.” – Paul J DiGiampietro
4 Stars -Adventure of a lifetime…a must read!
“It’s a true story of two college age guys as they wander through a dozen countries in 1968 Europe. They encounter people and events about which one can only fantasize or experience in a dream. “Garee” and Maurice experienced friendship, hospitality, loyalty, and history in the making; it was an education of the kind that one can never get in a classroom. Gary was allowed into a world that he didn’t know existed; one that he could not imagine and one that only a lucky few have or will ever experience. A truly eye opening, enjoyable, and entertaining book.” Marjorie Gelerman.
5 Stars – Enjoyable, easy read
“Easy read and enjoyable story that takes you through some awesome adventures in this coming of age (in a big way!) anecdote. Love the writing style- detailed enough to form vivid characters in my mind’s eye.” -Leandra Mclean
5 Stars- Friendship Immortalized
“A touching tribute to an incredible friend, Travels With Maurice: An Outrageous Adventure in Europe, 1968 by Gary Orleck is a book unlike any other.
Detailing the insane adventures they shared over a summer in Europe, the book is full of incredible stories that hardly seem believable at first. However, as the book goes on and you get to know the individuals better, anything truly seems possible and the book gains credibility.
I found the book to be a beautiful way to immortalize an incredible friend of the author, and also it gives a valuable insight into the situation of Iran before the revolution as well as a kinder look at the Shah.
Overall, a brilliant read, Travels With Maurice is a wonderful book to experience, and one that I’m sure you will revisit time and time again.” Martha Custis
Gary Orleck 