Intimate and Intriguing, Patti Smith's Memoir Offers New Revelations
The punk rock star has authored several books blending reflections on her current projects with memories and photographs of lost lovers and friends. Bread of Angels stands out as her most autobiographical work yet.
Significance of the Publication Date
Patti Smith chose November 4 for the release of Bread of Angels with deep personal meaning: it marks the anniversary of her husband Fred "Sonic" Smith's death in 1994, and the birthday of her artistic partner Robert Mapplethorpe, born in 1946. Both men passed away in their 40s. Smith describes them as
“the love of my life and the artist of my life.”
Focus and Themes
This memoir offers a direct exploration of Smith's life journey from her working-class upbringing in Pennsylvania and South Jersey to her career on stage and in the recording studio. She paused her musical efforts during her marriage and revived them after becoming a widow.
The title Bread of Angels symbolizes the “unpremeditated gestures of kindness” that have shaped her fundamentally hopeful outlook.
Previous Works and Legacy
Over the past 15 years, Smith has compiled a thoughtful collection of intimate books combining her present-day thoughts with remembrances and images of those dear to her. Among them, her National Book Award-winning Just Kids (2010) stands out as a deeply moving portrayal of her relationship with Mapplethorpe.
Author’s summary: Patti Smith’s memoir reveals her personal evolution and enduring optimism shaped by loss, love, and artistic resilience.