3:AM Magazine
The book works extremely well as a literary novel, rather than just functioning on the level of real-life drama. There are a number of artistic flourishes in Kalafatis' narrative; especially well-drawn are the various dream sequences, located in a surreal and symbol-driven otherworld. For the rest of the novel, Kalafatis is committed to his strong portrayal of New York, and in particular the subcultures embedded within the city.
By far the most striking feature of A Rebel Life, however, is the energy which fizzes and snaps at every turn. Kalafatis's language is violent and forceful, expressing an intense and visceral anger. The voice lying underneath this anger, however, is tender and filled with softened emotion, particularly discernible when evoking memories of his brother. There is absolutely no doubt that this is an authentic narrative voice, rough and rasping but also poetic and sophisticated.
Summer of Hate
Unlike say Aimee Cooper's Coloring Outside The Lines this doesn't cover bands, gigs or even the local punk scene, but only the drug, drink and violence side of punk rock. That makes it rare.
