This is a rollicking good story that takes place in mid-century 1950. Europe is still recovering from the Great War and it will be more than a decade before the start of the jet age and the ubiquitous McDonald's.

The story is penned by a witty, naive American who blithely travels to Switzerland to attend the University, expecting the same academic life. The first of many surprises is that sex in the old world, or new world is liberated. He is beset with language problems, people problems, an abortion, the suicide of a girl he knew far too well. Experience the ruins of Germany while a bond is being cemented between the relation of two very different worlds. Suffer through the 10,000 kilometer motorcycle trip one summer. And of course our knight-errant falls in love in a fairy tale romance with an unbelievable ending.

It's quite a ride. When it's over and time to depart, we find a melancholy man no longer a college kid.