‘How should I cast my soul?’ Patti Smith’s intimate new memoir is a quest for her true self

‘How should I cast my soul?’ Patti Smith’s Intimate New Memoir

Patti Smith’s memoir Bread of Angels offers a profound journey through her entire life, revealing deep love, unbearable loss, and creative renewal. It was published on a significant date: November 4. This day marks both the birth of her first true love and artistic soulmate, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (1946), and nearly five decades later, the death of her beloved husband and fellow musician, Fred “Sonic” Smith (1994).

The memoir's release closely follows the 50th anniversary of her debut album Horses, underscoring its intimate and comprehensive nature after ten years in the making. Smith reflects on the passage of time:

“The hourglass overturns. Each grain a word that erupts into a thousand more, the first and last moments of every living thing.”

Previous Works and Themes

Smith’s earlier book, Just Kids, was voted a best book of the 21st century by readers of the New York Times. It details her extraordinary relationship with Mapplethorpe during the 1970s, as they forged their artistic paths in New York.

Other memoirs like M Train and Year of the Monkey explore her spiritual beliefs, creative mindset, and reflections on time while traveling. Meanwhile, Devotion focuses on writing as a purposeful act that helps her avoid being overwhelmed by the work of others.

Summary

Patti Smith’s new memoir deepens her lifelong exploration of identity, art, and resilience through profound personal experiences and artistic reflections.

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The Conversation — 2025-11-03