‘How should I cast my soul?’ Patti Smith’s intimate new memoir is a quest for her true self

How Should I Cast My Soul? Patti Smith’s Intimate New Memoir

Patti Smith’s new memoir, Bread of Angels, arrives on a day filled with deep personal significance. November 4 marks the birth of her artistic soulmate and first true love, the late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, in 1946. Exactly 48 years later, on the same date, her beloved husband and fellow musician, Fred “Sonic” Smith, passed away from a heart attack.

This memoir is the most intimate and comprehensive book she has written, taking a decade to complete. It coincides closely with the 50th anniversary of her debut album, Horses. Smith begins by reflecting on time:

“The hourglass overturns. Each grain a word that erupts into a thousand more, the first and last moments of every living thing.”

Like her poetry, Smith’s life writing remains profound and illuminating. Her acclaimed book Just Kids was voted by readers as one of the best books of the 21st century. It chronicles her extraordinary relationship with Mapplethorpe as they built their artistic careers in 1970s New York.

Other works, such as M Train and Year of the Monkey, explore her spiritual perspective and creative process as she reflects on the passage of time during her travels. Meanwhile, Devotion delves into the nature of writing as a passionate calling that protects her from being overwhelmed by others’ work.

Legacy of Artistic and Personal Devotion

Just Kids highlights the deep bond and artistic growth between Smith and Mapplethorpe.
Bread of Angels is a decade-long project marking key moments in Smith’s life.
The memoir is published near the 50th anniversary of her landmark album Horses.
Her previous memoirs reveal evolving spirituality and dedication to creative work.

Author's Summary

Patti Smith’s latest memoir intertwines her personal losses, creative evolution, and enduring quest for identity with poetic insight and emotional depth.

The Conversation — 2025-11-03