Patti Smith Reveals Family Secrets in New Memoir
Music icon Patti Smith shares previously undisclosed family stories in her much-anticipated memoir, Bread of Angels. She spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about the inspiration behind the book and why she chose this moment to reveal the truth.
Unexpected Return to Memoir Writing
Patti Smith, godmother of punk and celebrated author, did not originally intend to write another memoir. Known for her groundbreaking '70s album Horses and her National Book Award-winning 2010 memoir Just Kids, Smith had no plans to revisit nonfiction writing.
"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.
The Dream That Sparked the Memoir
Her creative impetus came from a vivid dream she experienced a decade ago involving a symbolic book:
"In my dream, I received a package, and it was a white book, and it had a white ribbon and photographs of dresses that I had owned in my life. My wedding dress, the dress that Robert gave me, the white dress my brother gave me that's on the cover of Wave. And they were all attached to stories about my life, and it was such a beautiful book, and when I woke up, my hands were extended."
Reflecting on Personal History
Smith's new memoir continues her journey of exploring personal and family history, adding profound depth to her literary and musical legacy.
Author's note: Patti Smith’s new memoir uncovers hidden family truths inspired by a dream, continuing her powerful blend of music and storytelling.
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