Patti Smith Reveals Family Secrets in New Memoir
Music legend Patti Smith shares deeply personal family stories in her eagerly awaited memoir, Bread of Angels. She spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about the motivation behind writing the book and why she chose to reveal these truths now.
An Unexpected Return to Memoir Writing
Patti Smith, known as the godmother of punk, rose to fame in the 1970s with her debut album Horses and made a literary impact with her 2010 National Book Award-winning memoir, Just Kids. Initially, she had no plans to write another nonfiction work.
"I wrote [Just Kids] for Robert [Mapplethorpe] because he asked me to, just hours before he died. And I labored on that book for a long time, and did learn how to write a book such as that, but I hadn't planned to write another," Smith shared with PEOPLE.
Inspired by a Dream
The inspiration for Bread of Angels came from a vivid dream Smith had a decade ago. In it, she received a white-covered book tied with a white ribbon, filled with photographs of dresses significant to her life — including her wedding dress, one given by Robert, and another from her brother featured on the cover of Wave. Each dress was connected to stories from her life, creating a beautiful and meaningful book.
"When I woke up, my hands were extended," she recalled.
About the Author
- Patti Smith is a pioneer of punk music and an acclaimed author.
- Her memoir Just Kids won the National Book Award in 2010.
- Bread of Angels is her latest work, revealing new family secrets.
Colleen Kratofil is Senior Editor, TV at PEOPLE.
Author's Summary
Patti Smith's new memoir reveals intimate family truths inspired by a dream, marking a powerful continuation of her storytelling legacy.