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Unrepentant
In this explicit first-hand account, a biker who spent 46 years as a member of the Hells Angels and Satan's Choice invites bestselling author Peter Edwards into the story of life lived as we've only imagined it.
A kid raised by his father's fists on the wrong side of a blue-collar town, Lorne Campbell grew up watching the local bikers ride past, making him wonder what that kind of freedom and power would feel like. He soon found out. At the age of seventeen, he became the youngest-ever member of the Satan's Choice Motorcycle Club and spent the next five decades living a life for which he does not ask forgiveness, only that his story finally be told, and that his family finally understand what drove him to live the way he did. With moments of terror and humour, great sadness and the simple pleasures of camaraderie and the open road, Unrepentant is a book like none other.
A kid raised by his father's fists on the wrong side of a blue-collar town, Lorne Campbell grew up watching the local bikers ride past, making him wonder what that kind of freedom and power would feel like. He soon found out. At the age of seventeen, he became the youngest-ever member of the Satan's Choice Motorcycle Club and spent the next five decades living a life for which he does not ask forgiveness, only that his story finally be told, and that his family finally understand what drove him to live the way he did. With moments of terror and humour, great sadness and the simple pleasures of camaraderie and the open road, Unrepentant is a book like none other.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
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353 people want to read
About the author
Peter Edwards
24 books20 followersPeter Edwards has written for The Toronto Star for almost thirty years, specializing in organized crime and justice issues. He’s the author of more than a dozen non-fiction books, nine of which are on organized crime.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 5, 2017
I don't know why these biker books are so entertaining, or why I read them. I have no admiration for anyone who signs up for that lifestyle, although the few I've actually met can be quite charming and personable, almost to the point where you forget the menace that is seldom far from the surface. I probably read the books because of the eccentricity of the bikers, exhibiting behavior that deviates from the norm.
That's how it was with this book. I was really liking the story; in fact, the book was hard to put down. Lorne Campbell is about my age, same or similar childhood circumstances, watched the same movies, idolized the same cowboys. I was actually buying into the twisted sense of honor and brotherhood that Mr Campbell claims to practice like a quest knight in a time warp. About 2/3 of the way through the book it occurred to me that there really is nothing honorable about Campbell's lifestyle: arson, murder, assault, dealing dope,profiting from the exploitation of women.....and how honorable is it, really, to languish in a prison cell while your wife works two jobs to maintain the household? No, I really wasn't buying any of it toward the end.
So what is the purpose of the book? To glorify Mr Campbell? To enrich Mr Edwards? I suspect a little of both. Edwards is a good writer and can really hold your interest, except possibly toward the end...I really didn't need the details on Campbell's prison diet or workout routine. As biker bios go it's pretty good, certainly better than some I've read where the writer pretends ignorance of any wrongdoing. Campbell doesn't hide his culpability or pretend that the MCs are gatherings of choirboys....an interesting insight into the Canadian biker scene.
That's how it was with this book. I was really liking the story; in fact, the book was hard to put down. Lorne Campbell is about my age, same or similar childhood circumstances, watched the same movies, idolized the same cowboys. I was actually buying into the twisted sense of honor and brotherhood that Mr Campbell claims to practice like a quest knight in a time warp. About 2/3 of the way through the book it occurred to me that there really is nothing honorable about Campbell's lifestyle: arson, murder, assault, dealing dope,profiting from the exploitation of women.....and how honorable is it, really, to languish in a prison cell while your wife works two jobs to maintain the household? No, I really wasn't buying any of it toward the end.
So what is the purpose of the book? To glorify Mr Campbell? To enrich Mr Edwards? I suspect a little of both. Edwards is a good writer and can really hold your interest, except possibly toward the end...I really didn't need the details on Campbell's prison diet or workout routine. As biker bios go it's pretty good, certainly better than some I've read where the writer pretends ignorance of any wrongdoing. Campbell doesn't hide his culpability or pretend that the MCs are gatherings of choirboys....an interesting insight into the Canadian biker scene.
September 3, 2013
Canadian Folk Hero or Common Criminal?
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free advance copy of the book.
There was a time where I enjoyed reading about the modernized Wild West adventures of the 1% clubs. The titillating combination of sex, drugs, crime and brawling gave us regular folk (civilians) a rare peak into that brutally volatile world. But after reading UNREPENTANT, Peter Edwards' near-canonization of Canadian outlaw biker Lorne Campbell, I'm beginning to wonder about the purpose of such books.
I admit that I find true crime a particularly appealing topic to read about and some of the most fascinating books I've ever read are true crime ("Helter Skelter", "Devil's Butcher Shop", "Under and Alone", etc.). Sonny Barger's book "Hell's Angel" was interesting simply because: 1) it's an autobiography that's particularly well-written 2) Barger is THE face of not only the Hells Angels, but the outlaw biker world as a whole and 3) he has somehow managed to assimilate himself into mainstream American society. In other words, Sonny Barger is unique and has an interesting story to tell. Until I read UNREPENTANT, I had no idea who Lorne Campbell was and now that I'm finished, I wonder why a book even needs to be written about him.
UNREPENTANT is simply a biographical tale of a Canadian outlaw biker named Lorne Campbell ... a member of the Satan's Choice MC who eventually becomes a Hells Angel. The storyline is somewhat predictable: upbringing in abusive home steers young man toward a life of violent crime as a biker; now a senior citizen, the man looks back on his violent life ... with no regrets. The book is organized chronologically into short chapters that mark significant events in Campbell's life. A major theme running throughout out the book is Campbell's notoriety as being an extremely tough, physical man with a penchant for effectively using his fists. Almost every chapter accounts for Campbell dishing out a beating or two and supports the stereotypical biker lifestyle ... he's clearly not someone you'd want to cross. Some of the stories are interesting and some of the stories are disgusting (the field mouse exchange between Campbell and fellow biker unfortunately remains imprinted on my brain), but aside from a few unique tales, most of the book will cover the same ground already covered by other biker books.
Lorne Campbell contributing direct quotes throughout the book obviously has an influence as to how his story is written ... some stories may be embellished and conversely, some incidents may be downplayed or ignored altogether. While Campbell does not overtly defend his notoriety, the persistent reference to his abusive father seems to represent a source of blame and tends to generate a sympathetic view to Campbell's violent behavior and criminal activity. Additionally, the man is portrayed as being somewhat up-standing and righteous at times (accepting the prison rap for a fellow club member or protecting a rival "gangsta" from other bikers in prison and earning respect from the "gangsta" leadership), but the context of his altruism only applies within the criminal's code of ethics. Considering what is revealed in the book and the nature of outlaw bikers, I am fairly certain there is much more of the man's life that he doesn't wish to be revealed ... for obvious reasons. This is where I have an issue with author Peter Edwards' book glorifying a criminal as a folk hero who's selective and occasional instances of "stepping-up" don't necessarily serve as an adequate counterbalance to all the bad things previously done and the general lack of remorse for doing them. Sonny Barger's autobiography was enough to cover the small void available for such a story ... UNREPENTANT overreaches.
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free advance copy of the book.
There was a time where I enjoyed reading about the modernized Wild West adventures of the 1% clubs. The titillating combination of sex, drugs, crime and brawling gave us regular folk (civilians) a rare peak into that brutally volatile world. But after reading UNREPENTANT, Peter Edwards' near-canonization of Canadian outlaw biker Lorne Campbell, I'm beginning to wonder about the purpose of such books.
I admit that I find true crime a particularly appealing topic to read about and some of the most fascinating books I've ever read are true crime ("Helter Skelter", "Devil's Butcher Shop", "Under and Alone", etc.). Sonny Barger's book "Hell's Angel" was interesting simply because: 1) it's an autobiography that's particularly well-written 2) Barger is THE face of not only the Hells Angels, but the outlaw biker world as a whole and 3) he has somehow managed to assimilate himself into mainstream American society. In other words, Sonny Barger is unique and has an interesting story to tell. Until I read UNREPENTANT, I had no idea who Lorne Campbell was and now that I'm finished, I wonder why a book even needs to be written about him.
UNREPENTANT is simply a biographical tale of a Canadian outlaw biker named Lorne Campbell ... a member of the Satan's Choice MC who eventually becomes a Hells Angel. The storyline is somewhat predictable: upbringing in abusive home steers young man toward a life of violent crime as a biker; now a senior citizen, the man looks back on his violent life ... with no regrets. The book is organized chronologically into short chapters that mark significant events in Campbell's life. A major theme running throughout out the book is Campbell's notoriety as being an extremely tough, physical man with a penchant for effectively using his fists. Almost every chapter accounts for Campbell dishing out a beating or two and supports the stereotypical biker lifestyle ... he's clearly not someone you'd want to cross. Some of the stories are interesting and some of the stories are disgusting (the field mouse exchange between Campbell and fellow biker unfortunately remains imprinted on my brain), but aside from a few unique tales, most of the book will cover the same ground already covered by other biker books.
Lorne Campbell contributing direct quotes throughout the book obviously has an influence as to how his story is written ... some stories may be embellished and conversely, some incidents may be downplayed or ignored altogether. While Campbell does not overtly defend his notoriety, the persistent reference to his abusive father seems to represent a source of blame and tends to generate a sympathetic view to Campbell's violent behavior and criminal activity. Additionally, the man is portrayed as being somewhat up-standing and righteous at times (accepting the prison rap for a fellow club member or protecting a rival "gangsta" from other bikers in prison and earning respect from the "gangsta" leadership), but the context of his altruism only applies within the criminal's code of ethics. Considering what is revealed in the book and the nature of outlaw bikers, I am fairly certain there is much more of the man's life that he doesn't wish to be revealed ... for obvious reasons. This is where I have an issue with author Peter Edwards' book glorifying a criminal as a folk hero who's selective and occasional instances of "stepping-up" don't necessarily serve as an adequate counterbalance to all the bad things previously done and the general lack of remorse for doing them. Sonny Barger's autobiography was enough to cover the small void available for such a story ... UNREPENTANT overreaches.
December 9, 2021
Updated Review: December 8, 2021
I would say I didn't quite enjoy this as much 2nd time around, but I won't change my rating because the story is still interesting. I didn't notice the "all over the place" editing the last time but it's a memoir so I'm going to assume the story was relayed as it was told.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: 2013
Another well done story about bikers by Peter Edwards, this time the story is focused on one in particular Lorne Campbell. As in Bandidos Massacre Mr. Edwards gives the reader an in depth look into the lives of the 1% bikers. It would be easy to say that the majority of bikers were abused as children and that's why they opt for this most times violent way of life but that is not necessarily always the case. Some of them are just looking for somewhere they belong and they gravitate to the "brotherhood" of the gangs. I really enjoyed this deep dive into Lorne Campbell's life and it was easy to understand his sense of honour and brotherhood. He readily admits he's committed some violent acts but as the title suggests he is unrepentant; he just wanted to tell his story no matter what anyone thinks of him. Having previously read Bandidos Massacre a lot of the names were familiar and I truly enjoyed Unrepentant. If you have any interest in biker gangs I highly recommend reading either or both of these books.
I would say I didn't quite enjoy this as much 2nd time around, but I won't change my rating because the story is still interesting. I didn't notice the "all over the place" editing the last time but it's a memoir so I'm going to assume the story was relayed as it was told.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: 2013
Another well done story about bikers by Peter Edwards, this time the story is focused on one in particular Lorne Campbell. As in Bandidos Massacre Mr. Edwards gives the reader an in depth look into the lives of the 1% bikers. It would be easy to say that the majority of bikers were abused as children and that's why they opt for this most times violent way of life but that is not necessarily always the case. Some of them are just looking for somewhere they belong and they gravitate to the "brotherhood" of the gangs. I really enjoyed this deep dive into Lorne Campbell's life and it was easy to understand his sense of honour and brotherhood. He readily admits he's committed some violent acts but as the title suggests he is unrepentant; he just wanted to tell his story no matter what anyone thinks of him. Having previously read Bandidos Massacre a lot of the names were familiar and I truly enjoyed Unrepentant. If you have any interest in biker gangs I highly recommend reading either or both of these books.
July 1, 2016
I won this book from Goodreads. It's about a man from Canada named Lorne Campbell who is an outlaw biker.
His dad used to beat him, so he joined a motorcycle club at 17. The book is very detailed and explains who everyone is and what they do. He started out as a "striker" (probationary member or prospect) and worked his way up in the club. He is very proud to be in the Satan's Choice MC. He tells about what life is like for a biker and the issues he encountered just because he rode a bike.
Lorne has lived quite a violent life. He used to collect debts for the club and was known for knocking people out with a hard left hook. He's been in bar fights and killed a man. He's also no stranger to a jail cell. His descriptions of his time in prison were some of the sadder parts of the book.
I kept hoping things would get better for him, but they never did. His wife, Charmaine, died of cancer while he was in prison. Then, after he was released, he ended up back in prison because he agreed to help a man traffic drugs and the guy ended up being an undercover policeman. After he was out of jail for that he started dating Evelyn, who'd been Charmaine's best friend. He eventually retired from the club in good standing so that he was able to keep his tattoos.
His dad used to beat him, so he joined a motorcycle club at 17. The book is very detailed and explains who everyone is and what they do. He started out as a "striker" (probationary member or prospect) and worked his way up in the club. He is very proud to be in the Satan's Choice MC. He tells about what life is like for a biker and the issues he encountered just because he rode a bike.
Lorne has lived quite a violent life. He used to collect debts for the club and was known for knocking people out with a hard left hook. He's been in bar fights and killed a man. He's also no stranger to a jail cell. His descriptions of his time in prison were some of the sadder parts of the book.
I kept hoping things would get better for him, but they never did. His wife, Charmaine, died of cancer while he was in prison. Then, after he was released, he ended up back in prison because he agreed to help a man traffic drugs and the guy ended up being an undercover policeman. After he was out of jail for that he started dating Evelyn, who'd been Charmaine's best friend. He eventually retired from the club in good standing so that he was able to keep his tattoos.
April 23, 2023
I had to read this book for school and it took me so long to finish it. It was so hard to follow along and there was random bits of stories about bikers and events that weren’t even important to the storyline. There was only one good chapter halfway into the book and then he just keeps on getting thrown back in prison #boring
May 19, 2013
One of the best books i have ever read ..i grew up in Oshawa ..this book was a trip down memory lane well worth the read ..This book is one of my Top 5 books i have read in my life ..if you read the book you will be more than glad you did ..
August 16, 2024
Was given this to read by my uncle. Never heard of it and wouldn't have picked it up necessarily on my own.
Was actually a really interesting look at "biker life" thru the eyes of one of the greatest Canadian bikers, Lorne Campbell. The stories he tells are great and even kinda make you smile a bit cause some are too good to be true.
I found it took me longer to read this just due to so many different people he talked about and trying to keep track of them all. A little bit of back and forth, too. Was confusing with events. Loved that it's all in Ontario. It was easy to picture all the locations as have been to all of the cities/towns talked about.
Makes you look at the biker life/groups differently.. which I think is the biggest takeaway from this book. As Lorne says, they are a family first before a criminal group. I respect how they are really a family rather than just members. They look out for each other and are loyal to the end. They have rules and live by them.
Rips away the stereotypes associated with the groups. It started by wanting a family and ended with finding one. A good read with great stories, respects each member he talks about and remembers the ones fallen.
Was actually a really interesting look at "biker life" thru the eyes of one of the greatest Canadian bikers, Lorne Campbell. The stories he tells are great and even kinda make you smile a bit cause some are too good to be true.
I found it took me longer to read this just due to so many different people he talked about and trying to keep track of them all. A little bit of back and forth, too. Was confusing with events. Loved that it's all in Ontario. It was easy to picture all the locations as have been to all of the cities/towns talked about.
Makes you look at the biker life/groups differently.. which I think is the biggest takeaway from this book. As Lorne says, they are a family first before a criminal group. I respect how they are really a family rather than just members. They look out for each other and are loyal to the end. They have rules and live by them.
Rips away the stereotypes associated with the groups. It started by wanting a family and ended with finding one. A good read with great stories, respects each member he talks about and remembers the ones fallen.
July 7, 2018
I really enjoyed reading the stories of Lorne Campbell during his time spent as a member of Satan's choice and Hells Angels MC. I also learned the history of the Port Hope 8 and the Steve Earle song "Justice for Ontario". That being said, I didn't particularly care for Edwards' writing style. I would have rated this book higher if not for the blatant editorial errors throughout.
September 18, 2019
Interesting. Worth a read!
January 2, 2023
Interesting counterpoint to Shakey Dave Atwell's telling of his time in HA.
It would seem that Lorne Campbell and Mel Chancey would get along. Seem to be a similar sort.
It would seem that Lorne Campbell and Mel Chancey would get along. Seem to be a similar sort.
January 23, 2016
Peter Edwards understands the biker life, and in his latest biker book, UNREPENTANT, he chronicles the life of one Lorne Campbell, a violent crusader for the biker lifestyle.
Campbell's life was hard from the beginning, coming from an abusive household. Coupled with his violent temper and disrespect for authority, he soon found himself gravitating toward the biker life.
Campbell was at times a criminal, an inmate, a husband, a widower, a father, a grandfather, a leader, a drug user, and a killer. He was totally loyal to his biker brothers, and bore a grudge against any who wronged his club, himself, or his brothers. He was as soon punch a man as argue with him, and several times he didn't even utter a single word before responding to a comment with his fists. Through it all, he makes no excuses.
The most telling point about Lorne Campbell's character surrounds his killing of another biker, with a handgun at close range. While he regretted the act, he believes he acted properly. Eight of his brothers went to jail for this, and he did not, despite the fact that Campbell repeatedly told the courts and anyone that would listen that he pulled the trigger. This act of constantly trying to set the record straight made him somewhat of a legend in biker circles.
The book is set in chronological order, following Lorne through his various run-ins with other motorcycle clubs, his prison terms, and into his later years. It's well written, and it's obvious the author knows the biker lifestyle, having written other books about the subject.
Whether you know something about outlaw bikers, or just want to learn, this is worth the read.
Campbell's life was hard from the beginning, coming from an abusive household. Coupled with his violent temper and disrespect for authority, he soon found himself gravitating toward the biker life.
Campbell was at times a criminal, an inmate, a husband, a widower, a father, a grandfather, a leader, a drug user, and a killer. He was totally loyal to his biker brothers, and bore a grudge against any who wronged his club, himself, or his brothers. He was as soon punch a man as argue with him, and several times he didn't even utter a single word before responding to a comment with his fists. Through it all, he makes no excuses.
The most telling point about Lorne Campbell's character surrounds his killing of another biker, with a handgun at close range. While he regretted the act, he believes he acted properly. Eight of his brothers went to jail for this, and he did not, despite the fact that Campbell repeatedly told the courts and anyone that would listen that he pulled the trigger. This act of constantly trying to set the record straight made him somewhat of a legend in biker circles.
The book is set in chronological order, following Lorne through his various run-ins with other motorcycle clubs, his prison terms, and into his later years. It's well written, and it's obvious the author knows the biker lifestyle, having written other books about the subject.
Whether you know something about outlaw bikers, or just want to learn, this is worth the read.
May 22, 2016
Lorne Campbell was born in Oshawa, ON, and grew up with an abusive father who his mother eventually left. When he was in his late teens, he joined Satan's Choice, an outlaw motorcycle club. Satan's Choice joined with Hell's Angels around 2001. Now in his 60s, this is Campbell's account of his years of being a biker. Most of the stories came from conversations the author had with Campbell and police wiretaps.
Over his 46 years as a biker, Campbell came across a lot of people ... some friends and some enemies. There is history and a story about a lot of them. Campbell, though a tough guy, was loyal to his friends and would defend them if they were slighted by beating up anyone. He spent a lot of time in jail and/or prison ... he felt that if you can't do the time, you shouldn't do the time. It seems like he honest about the drugs and booze he has consumed, the people he has beat up severely and or killed, his travels and the loves of his lives.
I found it to be an interesting read.
http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2016/05...
Over his 46 years as a biker, Campbell came across a lot of people ... some friends and some enemies. There is history and a story about a lot of them. Campbell, though a tough guy, was loyal to his friends and would defend them if they were slighted by beating up anyone. He spent a lot of time in jail and/or prison ... he felt that if you can't do the time, you shouldn't do the time. It seems like he honest about the drugs and booze he has consumed, the people he has beat up severely and or killed, his travels and the loves of his lives.
I found it to be an interesting read.
http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2016/05...
April 29, 2013
Unrepentant is a biography of Lorne Campbell but also a behind the scenes look at motorcycle clubs in Canada. While I found the book to be an interesting read, it definitely feels like the author is too close to the subject and paints him a bit too cleanly. While Lorne caused mayhem throughout the book I cannot ever recall him inflicting damage on non-bikers or innocents, which while possible seems highly unlikely. Given Lorne's upbringing, I would understand more regretful behavior a bit and it would make the book seem less whitewashed.
That all being said, I do recommend it as a great behind the scenes look into a world very few will ever experience.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads and my review is based on an uncorrected proof.
That all being said, I do recommend it as a great behind the scenes look into a world very few will ever experience.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads and my review is based on an uncorrected proof.
August 6, 2013
Interesting topically for the first 100 or so pages but then drops off precipitously. Topically it reminds me of the justification for the famous "Code" in hockey whereby ones loyalty to colleagues/brothers is the paramount driver of morality and all the aberrations it produces are justifiable for the Code. An admirable trait (usually) in the military. The writing becomes tired though the author works hard at raising this interesting but ultimately limited dimensional personality above the ordinary.
June 29, 2013
This is a well written book that flows well. It becomes obvious that this is a story worth telling. I am reluctant to believe all of this very one sided account where I'm sure others have a different view of what went down. It shows Mr. Campbell has achieved some insight into his life, but the title is well chosen as Mr. Campbell provides no apology to those he has hurt and no remorse for things he has done.
Want to read
March 26, 2013I hope I win this book as it's quite interesting to me and it also hits home. That's because I grew up in the area near Shedden where the Bandido massacre took place. Everyone in my area claims to "know" a Bandido or HA member. I wonder how much of this is fact or fiction.
June 23, 2013
It says something about a book when you start to feel like you may know Lorne Campbell. Told in a manner that doesn't allow you to judge the person in a way that society normally might, you judge him on his actions and his feelings for family and friends. It was pretty amazing.
April 27, 2016
Interesting read. The main focus is on Lorne's life as a Satan's Choice member, and the perils that come with belonging to an MC. If you're interested in reading about MC life, give this book a gander.
February 7, 2014
Interesting to read from his point of view. Quick and entertaining. Pretty neat that it took place in a lot of familar places close to my hometown.
June 14, 2013
Too much talking about, and not enough showing of scenes. Still an interesting read.
June 9, 2013
A really interesting book, a lot of the action took place in areas I am familiar with. I thought it was well written and very honest. Startling to believe but believable!
September 17, 2013
I like Peter Edwards books and I rate this book as a must read. Those of us who know the subject praise Peter for his fine works.
Ronald Fino
Ronald Fino
October 4, 2013
Was ok enough to keep you reading. Interesting subject. book was just soso.
November 24, 2016
Fantastic book.
January 1, 2024
It started out interesting but then it became the same story over and over again.
October 15, 2024
read it for school ... got an A on the paper :)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews