By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Patti Smith's latest memoir, "Bread of Angels," is a profound and intimate exploration of her life's journey, weaving together the threads of her childhood, artistic evolution, personal relationships, and the profound losses that have shaped her. ([penguinrandomhouse.com](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/249084/bread-of-angels-by-patti-smith/?utm_source=openai))

Smith's narrative begins with her post-World War II upbringing in a working-class family, detailing a childhood marked by frequent relocations and financial hardships. She vividly recounts her time in a subsidized housing complex outside Philadelphia, known as "The Patch," where she and her siblings transformed their challenging environment into a playground of imagination. This early exposure to adversity and creativity laid the foundation for her artistic sensibilities. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/11/03/patti-smith-memoir-bread-angels-book-review//?utm_source=openai))

The memoir delves into her teenage years, highlighting the emergence of her artistic influences, notably Arthur Rimbaud and Bob Dylan. Smith's passion for poetry and music began to intertwine, leading to the creation of iconic albums such as "Horses," "Wave," and "Easter." Her narrative captures the raw energy and determination that propelled her from a struggling artist to a pioneering figure in the punk rock movement. ([penguinrandomhouse.com](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/249084/bread-of-angels-by-patti-smith/?utm_source=openai))

A significant portion of "Bread of Angels" is dedicated to her relationship with Fred "Sonic" Smith, guitarist of the MC5. Their meeting in 1976 is portrayed with a sense of destiny, as Smith describes an immediate and profound connection. Their subsequent marriage and life in Michigan are depicted with warmth and authenticity, showcasing a period of domesticity and creative collaboration that contrasts with her earlier, more tumultuous years. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/11/03/patti-smith-memoir-bread-angels-book-review//?utm_source=openai))

The memoir does not shy away from the profound losses Smith has endured, including the deaths of her husband Fred and her brother Todd in 1994. She candidly shares her grief and the challenges of rebuilding her life while raising their children. Throughout these trials, writing remains a constant source of solace and expression, underscoring the transformative power of art in the face of personal tragedy. ([penguinrandomhouse.com](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/249084/bread-of-angels-by-patti-smith/?utm_source=openai))

While "Bread of Angels" offers a rich tapestry of Smith's life, it is not without its structural challenges. The narrative occasionally leaps over significant periods, particularly her early New York years, to avoid redundancy with her previous memoir, "Just Kids." This approach, while understandable, may leave readers longing for a more cohesive timeline. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/11/03/patti-smith-memoir-bread-angels-book-review//?utm_source=openai))

In conclusion, "Bread of Angels" is a deeply moving and introspective memoir that offers readers an intimate glimpse into Patti Smith's multifaceted life. Her eloquent prose and unflinching honesty make this work a compelling read for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Highly recommended!

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 11/13/2025