Patti Smith has long been a confounding figure, defying categorization and conventions in her life's work. Her latest offering, "Bread of Angels," is no exception, as she delves into the uncharted territories of her own narrative.
In a bold departure from previous memoirs that blended fiction with non-fiction, Smith presents this book as a straightforward continuation of her story following Fred "Sonic" Smith's passing in 1994 and her subsequent return to performance, recording, and public life. The scope is expansive, covering not only the more familiar details but also previously unexplored facets of her childhood.
Here, we meet Patti Smith as a child, with a keen eye for observation that draws us into her inner world. We witness her family's stories, her friendships, and even those moments of solitude where she'd indulge in fantastical conversations with turtles or other creatures that would make you wonder what happened to this young girl. Her writing is an exercise in evocative storytelling, weaving together seemingly disparate elements to create a rich tapestry.
What's remarkable about "Bread of Angels" is its thematic cohesion. Smith has always been driven by a need to share her own stories with readers, and here she offers them in all their beauty and complexity. You'll recognize some stories from previous works, but there are also plenty of new revelations that shed light on the intersections and connections between her past experiences.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its exploration of Smith's mind as a child, which provides invaluable insight into how she developed the surrealistic worlds that would later captivate audiences in "M Train" and "Year of the Monkey." If you've ever found yourself lost in one of Smith's fantastical narratives, now you'll understand the pathway behind them.
"Bread of Angels" also serves as a love letter to Fred "Sonic" Smith, whom she married in 1974. Their story is a testament to the power of true devotion and partnership. As we navigate their lives together, it becomes clear that their bond was forged through shared experiences, mutual understanding, and creative collaboration.
At times, Smith's writing may be meandering, but it serves a purpose: she's collecting these stories to make explicit connections that might have otherwise been implicit. This is her attempt to reclaim control over her life story, one she knows will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
What makes "Bread of Angels" so remarkable is its nuanced exploration of Smith's complexities as an artist and individual. She walks a tightrope between celebration and vulnerability, revealing the fragility that underpins even her most seemingly confident moments.
In the end, this book feels like both a farewell and a thank you – Patti Smith is saying goodbye to a chapter of her life while expressing gratitude for those who stood by her through the trials and triumphs. It's an elegy not just for Fred "Sonic" Smith but also for the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her into the artist she is today.
Bread of Angels is a masterpiece, one that reminds us why Patti Smith remains one of our most revered storytellers – she continues to thread together seemingly disparate elements with ease, creating an entire tapestry of artistry that rewards close reading and reflection.
In a bold departure from previous memoirs that blended fiction with non-fiction, Smith presents this book as a straightforward continuation of her story following Fred "Sonic" Smith's passing in 1994 and her subsequent return to performance, recording, and public life. The scope is expansive, covering not only the more familiar details but also previously unexplored facets of her childhood.
Here, we meet Patti Smith as a child, with a keen eye for observation that draws us into her inner world. We witness her family's stories, her friendships, and even those moments of solitude where she'd indulge in fantastical conversations with turtles or other creatures that would make you wonder what happened to this young girl. Her writing is an exercise in evocative storytelling, weaving together seemingly disparate elements to create a rich tapestry.
What's remarkable about "Bread of Angels" is its thematic cohesion. Smith has always been driven by a need to share her own stories with readers, and here she offers them in all their beauty and complexity. You'll recognize some stories from previous works, but there are also plenty of new revelations that shed light on the intersections and connections between her past experiences.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its exploration of Smith's mind as a child, which provides invaluable insight into how she developed the surrealistic worlds that would later captivate audiences in "M Train" and "Year of the Monkey." If you've ever found yourself lost in one of Smith's fantastical narratives, now you'll understand the pathway behind them.
"Bread of Angels" also serves as a love letter to Fred "Sonic" Smith, whom she married in 1974. Their story is a testament to the power of true devotion and partnership. As we navigate their lives together, it becomes clear that their bond was forged through shared experiences, mutual understanding, and creative collaboration.
At times, Smith's writing may be meandering, but it serves a purpose: she's collecting these stories to make explicit connections that might have otherwise been implicit. This is her attempt to reclaim control over her life story, one she knows will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
What makes "Bread of Angels" so remarkable is its nuanced exploration of Smith's complexities as an artist and individual. She walks a tightrope between celebration and vulnerability, revealing the fragility that underpins even her most seemingly confident moments.
In the end, this book feels like both a farewell and a thank you – Patti Smith is saying goodbye to a chapter of her life while expressing gratitude for those who stood by her through the trials and triumphs. It's an elegy not just for Fred "Sonic" Smith but also for the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her into the artist she is today.
Bread of Angels is a masterpiece, one that reminds us why Patti Smith remains one of our most revered storytellers – she continues to thread together seemingly disparate elements with ease, creating an entire tapestry of artistry that rewards close reading and reflection.
patti smith's writing is like a masterclass in storytelling - so evocative and nuanced 
her exploration of her childhood is like peeling back layers of an onion, you get to the heart of who she is as an artist and person 
the way she weaves together fragments of her life into this rich tapestry is just genius 
it's not always easy to read, but trust me, it's worth it 
"Bread of Angels" is like a warm hug for your soul - it's all about exploring the uncharted territories of her own narrative, sharing her childhood stories, and delving deeper into her experiences with Fred "Sonic" Smith. The way she weaves together these disparate elements is pure magic 
. It's not just a memoir, but a love letter to Sonic, who was her creative partner and soulmate.
. Patti Smith reminds us why she remains one of our most revered storytellers - she continues to thread together seemingly disparate elements with ease, creating an entire tapestry of artistry that rewards close reading and reflection.
i loved how she delves into her childhood and shares stories we never knew about her before, its like getting a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process 
also the way she explores her relationship with sonic is so beautiful and heartbreaking at times 
! She takes us on this wild ride through her childhood and shares so many stories we've only heard snippets of before. I love how she wove these previously unexplored parts of her life into the narrative, it feels like a full-circle moment for me. The way she explores her mind as a child is also super insightful - it totally makes sense now why her songs are so surrealistic and magical 
. Trust me when I say that Patti Smith is still one of the most innovative storytellers out there - "Bread of Angels" is no exception!
she writes about her family, her friends, and even those moments where she'd have these super weird conversations with animals 
. it's so inspiring to see how her creativity has always been this driving force in her life.
. her writing is like a therapy session, it's raw and honest and sometimes painful but also super cathartic 
.