I listened to the audio version, very well narrated by Scott Sowers whose laconic drawl added to the power of this rather disturbing journey. This is the story of a period in Thompson’s life in the 1960’s when he spent over a year riding with a chapter of Hell’s Angels. At that time, motorcycle gangs were new and this is the inside story of what the individuals were like and how they operated. It’s a troubling tale; one filled with brutality and misogyny and many will find the detailed accounts of rape very difficult to stomach. However, this, it appears, was the reality and Thompson recounts events with clarity and honesty. There were numerous myths about Hells Angel gangs. Some are true but many are blown up media or police inventions designed to discredit a new and unpopular social phenomenon. I’m not American, but I do recall the 60’s gangs in the UK where bank holidays brought violence to seaside towns as gangs if marauding mods on scooters and rockers on motorbikes fought out their differences. They were pasties compared to Thompson’s gang and their pack mentality and apparent indifference to many societal norms is disturbing. But, this is a slice of social history presented in Thompson’s distinctive style and whilst it wasn’t exactly enjoyable, it is, nevertheless fascinating.