Intimate and intriguing, Patti Smith's memoir offers new revelations

Intimate and Intriguing, Patti Smith's Memoir Offers New Revelations

Punk rock star Patti Smith has authored several books combining reflections on her current projects with memories and photographs of loved ones she has lost. Her latest memoir, Bread of Angels, stands as her most autobiographical work yet.

Significance of Publication Date

Smith chose to publish Bread of Angels on November 4, a date meaningful to her personally. It marks the anniversary of the death of her husband Fred "Sonic" Smith in 1994, and the birthday of her close friend and artistic collaborator Robert Mapplethorpe, born in 1946. Both men passed away in their 40s and hold deep significance in her life and art.

"The love of my life and the artist of my life," writes the celebrated punk rock star and author.

Autobiographical Focus

The memoir mainly traces Smith’s journey from her working-class upbringing in Pennsylvania and South Jersey to her career in music and performance. She paused her artistic work during her marriage but found a renewed creative spark after becoming a widow.

Meaning Behind the Title

The title Bread of Angels refers to the "unpremeditated gestures of kindness" she has encountered throughout her life. These acts have helped shape Smith’s fundamentally optimistic outlook.

Previous Works

Over the past 15 years, Smith has published a series of small books blending her current artistic reflections with cherished memories and photos of lost lovers and friends. Among these, her National Book Award-winning Just Kids (2010) remains a powerful tribute to her friendship with Mapplethorpe.

"Just Kids is an extraordinarily resonant record of her relationship with Mapplethorpe."

Author’s summary: Patti Smith’s Bread of Angels offers a heartfelt, candid look at her evolving life and art, enriched by memories of key figures who shaped her journey.

NPR — 2025-11-07