Patti Smith's "Bread of Angels": A Sequel and Prequel to "Just Kids"
Patti Smith revisits her early life and marriage, offering an intimate and sometimes imperfect portrait of the iconic punk poet in her new memoir, Bread of Angels.
Smith’s Legacy and Honors
Known as the grandmother of punk, Patti Smith has been honored with numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the French Legion of Honor. Yet, for book critic Maureen Corrigan, Smith's greatest achievement is her 2010 memoir, Just Kids, which has become a definitive New York story.
Maureen Corrigan’s Perspective
Maureen Corrigan, a proud New Yorker and critic, teaches Just Kids regularly in her New York literature course at Georgetown University. She notes that the memoir captivates students, many of whom are new to Smith's work, and often name it their favorite book.
"Like so many other great New York memoirs, Just Kids tells a starting-out story, one where Smith remembers arriving at Port Authority in 1967 on a bus from New Jersey, sleeping rough in parks and meeting Robert Mapplethorpe, who would become her soulmate."
Corrigan highlights Smith’s faith in New York's energy and spirit that lifted her during those early years.
Bread of Angels: Exploring New Dimensions
Bread of Angels acts as both a sequel and prequel to Just Kids, expanding on Smith's life story with new insights and reflections.
This memoir deepens the understanding of Smith not only as an artist but also as a person shaped by her experiences before and after the events in Just Kids.
Author’s Summary
Patti Smith's Bread of Angels enriches her celebrated life story by blending past and present, offering a heartfelt and multi-layered memoir for readers.