Devotion

By: Patti Smith

Narrated by: Patti Smith

A work of creative brilliance may seem like magic - its source a mystery, its impact unexpectedly stirring.

How does an artist accomplish such an achievement, connecting deeply with an audience never met? In this groundbreaking book, one of our culture's beloved artists offers a detailed account of her own creative process, inspirations, and unexpected connections.

Patti Smith first presents an original and beautifully crafted tale of obsession - a young skater who lives for her art, a possessive collector who ruthlessly seeks his prize, a relationship forged of need both craven and exalted. She then takes us on a second journey, exploring the sources of her story. We travel through the South of France to Camus' house, and visit the garden of the great publisher Gallimard where the ghosts of Mishima, Nabokov, and Genet mingle. Smith tracks down Simone Weil's grave in a lonely cemetery, hours from London, and winds through the nameless Paris streets of Patrick Modiano's novels. Whether writing in a cafe or a train, Smith generously opens her notebooks and lets us glimpse the alchemy of her art and craft in this arresting and original book on writing.

The Why I Write series is based on the Windham-Campbell Lectures, delivered annually to commemorate the awarding of the Donald Windham-Sandy M. Campbell Literature Prizes at Yale University.

©2017 Patti Smith (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

This is not a type of book I usually read

It was all I could do to keep listening to this book, not because it was a bad book, but because it was so good. I was pulled so far into the book, I now know how Alice felt. Endings are important to me and this book’s I knew I might not like. I was correct, I did not like it, however it was the perfect ending for this book. I will look for more from this author.

A small gem

More illuminating travels with Patti Smith who always seems to speak straight to my heart.

No Disappointment Here

I’m a avid fan of Patti Smith and always will be. Having met her in my youth, she impressed me then, as she still does, more than fifty years later. My heart leapt when I saw that she, herself, had narrated Devotion.
Patti Smith’s reading of her own work propels my into a state of near bliss. Sultry, yet savage, would be an almost adequate explanation of how I feel about this artist’s voice and use of our modern language. She excelled as a singer, song writer and iconic punk poetess, as she excels as a story writer. I’m thankful and still in love. Not bad for a Jersey Girl. Namaste.

Patti is truly a wordsmith of another age

When I first listened to this over a year ago, I had trouble grasping it. But as I have listened and read more of Patti's work, I've learned to appreciate her style and cadence. Part story, part poetry the book weaves a tale of art, memory, and style. Patti's style.

moved

loved the book
loved Patti's reading
gonna read The Stranger next...I also loved The Year of the Monkey. thanks PS :)

Another incredible Patti Smith piece.

While brief, this book is deeply satisfying. Patti Smith is a remarkable narrator who poses the voice and soul of a poet.

long live patti

I always am deeply moved by patti Smiths books, its an honor to hear her intimate reading.

Not the one

I deeply enjoyed THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY. That book took me on a journey with Patti leading the way and I do recommend that book. Here, with DEVOTION I felt disconnected. It felt like the writing was not close to the heart, rather shallow which left the experience feeling empty. Still, I will always love Patti Smith.

Interesting

I'm not sure I understand this book so I cannot comment, which might say more about me than this book.