Patti Smith's Bread of Angels: A Memoir That Shatters and Transcends
At 78, Patti Smith is a force to be reckoned with, defying conventions as she weaves a tapestry of life, art, and identity in her latest memoir. The poet who wrote punk into existence before catapulting to pop stardom now leans into literature and music with the vitality of a wild mustang. This autobiography is neither just a conventional tale of trials and triumphs but a wildly inventive exploration that morphs from Smith's childhood to near-present, incorporating surprising revelations about an artist whose story has become etched in rock history.
The narrative voice of Bread of Angels can be disorienting, veering between formal, Proustian introspection and unbridled rambling. It is as if Smith's literary mind has become a restless mare that refuses to be tamed. Yet, once you settle into its cadence, the spell it casts is potent, revealing more about the artist from her style than the stories themselves.
Smith's coming-of-age story begins with a Proustian invocation, oscillating between past and present as she confesses her outsider desire to "disguise the miniature Quasimodo trapped inside an awkward child's body." This "rebel hump" – a metaphor for her perceived flaw – becomes a recurring motif throughout the book. Like many of us, Smith romanticizes her childhood, idolizing her father, a damaged war vet who supports his family through factory jobs and moves them from one low-rent address to another.
As she navigates her adolescence, Smith discovers solace in art and literature. She enrolls in Presbyterian Sunday school as an escape from her metaphysical inquiries and finds herself enthralled by vividly imagined playtimes with sister Linda and brother Todd. Her experiences with loss and disillusionment fuel her rebellious spirit, refusing to conform to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses or salute the American flag.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when 19-year-old Smith announces she is pregnant and gives her child up for adoption. This decision sets her on a path that will lead to the creation of punk rock, collaborations with Robert Mapplethorpe, and a storied career that defies conventions. The pace quickens as Smith recounts her romance with Sam Shepard, her debut at St Mark's Church, and her legendary CBGB residency.
As Smith approaches middle age, she faces new challenges, including the passing of Fred Smith, her husband, and an escalating series of losses that trigger a creative rebirth. Her bond with Michael Stipe, Allen Ginsberg, Tom Verlaine, and Bob Dylan – among others – reignites her passion for art and activism.
Throughout Bread of Angels, Smith's narrative is radiant and intimate, yet guarded. It is as if she has crafted a protective shell around herself to safeguard the trials and challenges that have defined her life. The book's pace slows as it delves into the personal struggles of her marriage and her husband's decline, but a transcendent sequence later reveals her eccentric writing style not as a tic but a superpower.
Ultimately, Bread of Angels is a testament to Patti Smith's enduring spirit and creative force. She has sung herself into being – written her own story – and continues to write as she navigates the ebbs and flows of life. Her DNA may change, but the essence of who she is remains unalterable: a rebellious poet, musician, and storyteller whose work will continue to inspire generations to come.
At 78, Patti Smith is a force to be reckoned with, defying conventions as she weaves a tapestry of life, art, and identity in her latest memoir. The poet who wrote punk into existence before catapulting to pop stardom now leans into literature and music with the vitality of a wild mustang. This autobiography is neither just a conventional tale of trials and triumphs but a wildly inventive exploration that morphs from Smith's childhood to near-present, incorporating surprising revelations about an artist whose story has become etched in rock history.
The narrative voice of Bread of Angels can be disorienting, veering between formal, Proustian introspection and unbridled rambling. It is as if Smith's literary mind has become a restless mare that refuses to be tamed. Yet, once you settle into its cadence, the spell it casts is potent, revealing more about the artist from her style than the stories themselves.
Smith's coming-of-age story begins with a Proustian invocation, oscillating between past and present as she confesses her outsider desire to "disguise the miniature Quasimodo trapped inside an awkward child's body." This "rebel hump" – a metaphor for her perceived flaw – becomes a recurring motif throughout the book. Like many of us, Smith romanticizes her childhood, idolizing her father, a damaged war vet who supports his family through factory jobs and moves them from one low-rent address to another.
As she navigates her adolescence, Smith discovers solace in art and literature. She enrolls in Presbyterian Sunday school as an escape from her metaphysical inquiries and finds herself enthralled by vividly imagined playtimes with sister Linda and brother Todd. Her experiences with loss and disillusionment fuel her rebellious spirit, refusing to conform to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses or salute the American flag.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when 19-year-old Smith announces she is pregnant and gives her child up for adoption. This decision sets her on a path that will lead to the creation of punk rock, collaborations with Robert Mapplethorpe, and a storied career that defies conventions. The pace quickens as Smith recounts her romance with Sam Shepard, her debut at St Mark's Church, and her legendary CBGB residency.
As Smith approaches middle age, she faces new challenges, including the passing of Fred Smith, her husband, and an escalating series of losses that trigger a creative rebirth. Her bond with Michael Stipe, Allen Ginsberg, Tom Verlaine, and Bob Dylan – among others – reignites her passion for art and activism.
Throughout Bread of Angels, Smith's narrative is radiant and intimate, yet guarded. It is as if she has crafted a protective shell around herself to safeguard the trials and challenges that have defined her life. The book's pace slows as it delves into the personal struggles of her marriage and her husband's decline, but a transcendent sequence later reveals her eccentric writing style not as a tic but a superpower.
Ultimately, Bread of Angels is a testament to Patti Smith's enduring spirit and creative force. She has sung herself into being – written her own story – and continues to write as she navigates the ebbs and flows of life. Her DNA may change, but the essence of who she is remains unalterable: a rebellious poet, musician, and storyteller whose work will continue to inspire generations to come.
I'm utterly fascinated by Patti Smith's latest memoir, Bread of Angels. It's as if she's woven this intricate tapestry of life, art, and identity that defies conventions and shatters expectations. Her narrative voice can be a bit disorienting at times, veering wildly between formal introspection and rambling passages 
, but once you settle into its cadence, it's like being swept up in a whirlwind of creativity and passion 
.
. And that decision to give her child up for adoption at 19? Mind-blowing 
. And yet, amidst all this intensity, there's a radiant, almost otherworldly quality to the narrative, as if Smith has tapped into some deeper wellspring of creative force 
.
. Her story will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us all of the power of art and activism to transform lives and leave a lasting legacy 
.
it sounds like such a wild ride! i love how she's still defying conventions at 78 
i'm intrigued by how much of her childhood story is woven into this book, especially that part about her feeling like a "rebel hump" trapped inside 
it's like she's trying to process and understand herself on an even deeper level 
anyway, i'm totally gonna have to get my hands on this memoir ASAP 
. Overall, "Bread of Angels" feels like a deeply personal and relatable exploration of what it means to be human - imperfect, resilient, and forever seeking connection 
Her writing style might be all over the place, but that's what makes it so captivating 
I'm particularly fascinated by how she explores her relationships with other artists and activists – it's like she's woven a web of connections that transcend time and space 
And can we talk about her marriage to Fred Smith? 
It's like she's holding back, but in a good way – like, you want to know more! 
Overall, Bread of Angels is this wild, beautiful ride that will leave you feeling seen, heard, and inspired 
I'm totally stoked about Patti Smith's new memoir Bread of Angels! She's like a wild mustang, full of energy and creativity 
The way she weaves together different stories and themes is masterful. I love how she's not afraid to get a little messy and imperfect with her writing, it's so refreshing!
. Bread of Angels is not just a memoir, it's a testament to the power of creativity and resilience – can't wait to dive in and read more!
. It's cool to see how it sets her on a path to creating punk rock and collaborating with other artists. And I can imagine how her bond with people like Michael Stipe and Allen Ginsberg would reignite her passion for art and activism 
. And I love how the reviewer describes her literary mind as a "restless mare" - that's so on point 
!
#PattiSmith #BreadOfAngels #MemoirMagic #WildMustangRide
that can't be tamed. anyway, u gotta get into the flow of the narrative voice which is kinda all over the place between formal introspection and rambling conversations 
but once u settle in it's like... magic 
. I love how she explores her childhood and her outsider desire to be different from this metaphorical "Quasimodo trapped inside" 
. also, her experiences with loss and disillusionment are super relatable 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to read about her time with Robert Mapplethorpe or her romance with Sam Shepard? 
The way she weaves together her past and present is really cool - it's like you're getting a glimpse into the mind of a true original 
It's like she's trying to out-weave that crazy Proust guy 