Patti Smith tells Dua Lipa memoir secret at Lit Festival
The London Literature Festival provided a unique stage last weekend for a deeply moving conversation between punk poet Patti Smith and global pop icon Dua Lipa. Joined by broadcaster and writer Zakia Sewell, the discussion centered on Smith’s latest memoir, Bread Of Angels, offering a raw look at gratitude, memory, and the complex tapestry of personal history.
Bread Of Angels delves into Smith’s formative years in Philadelphia, tracing the journey of a life shaped by the people who nurtured her, challenged her, and inspired her. It serves as a heartfelt exploration of the various figures—mentors, lovers, and friends—who contributed to her story, a narrative that moves beyond the self to acknowledge the collective wisdom of those who shape us.
Smith explained that the memoir is an exercise in acknowledging the whole ecosystem of her life. “It gave me a chance to show some gratitude to all the people that helped form me, and who I rebelled against too,” she shared. She reflected on her previous work, noting that while books like Just Kids focused on giving to a select few, this new work aimed to honor everyone who helped forge her path.
The process of writing the book was as transformative as the content. Smith admitted that she hadn’t initially planned on writing a memoir, preferring poetry and fairy tales. Yet, a dream arrived—a vision of her life, broken down through the experiences of the people around her—prompting her to document it. This realization led to a powerful acknowledgment that those in her life were calling, urging her to write their own stories too.
The title itself, Bread Of Angels, emerged from a contemplation of kindness. Though she initially considered a different title, she ultimately chose it because the book is fundamentally about gratitude—a lesson she feels she “stole from herself.”
The conversation touched upon the themes of freedom and discipline in the artistic journey. When discussing the shift from being a rising star to a more established figure, Smith reflected on how creativity remains fluid, but the environment has changed. While she admired the discipline required by others, she noted the pressure of the modern landscape, where mistakes are instantly broadcast. This led to a profound agreement that patience and allowing time for growth are essential.
Smith shared invaluable advice for aspiring writers: “If you want to be a writer, then write every day. It’s like a muscle. If you’re a runner, you need to run—you have to use that muscle,” she advised. This message underscored the importance of daily practice over sporadic inspiration.
The book is richly populated with artistic figures, featuring names like Bob Dylan, Richard Hell, and Tom Verlaine, reflecting Smith’s deep connections to the counter-culture scene. The narrative also includes touching anecdotes, such as a late husband’s memory and a surprising Valentine’s Day call from Michael Stipe, reminding readers that the most profound connections often arrive in unexpected ways.
Ultimately, Bread Of Angels is more than a memoir; it is an anthem of gratitude, a testament to the indelible mark that human connection leaves on our lives, and a powerful reminder that the greatest stories are those we tell about the people who make us who we are.
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