Devotion: Why I Write

Suzi Feay of the Financial Times describes Devotion as "short enough to devour at one enjoyable sitting and thought-provoking enough to deserve re-reading," a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates this gem of a book. Katherine Cooper, writing for Hyperallergic, notes that "Devotion shows rather than tells what it means to give a life to writing," a testament to Patti Smith's insightful and experiential approach.

A truly brilliant creative work can often feel like magic – its origins shrouded in mystery, its impact unexpectedly profound. How does an artist achieve such a connection, resonating deeply with an audience they've never encountered? In this groundbreaking book, the National Book Award-winning author and beloved artist Patti Smith offers a detailed and intimate account of her own creative process, the wellsprings of her inspiration, and the surprising connections that emerge along the way.

Smith begins by presenting an original and exquisitely crafted tale of obsession: a young skater utterly devoted to her art, a possessive collector ruthlessly pursuing his prize, and a relationship forged from a potent blend of need, both selfish and elevated. She then embarks on a second, equally compelling journey, exploring the very sources that gave rise to her story. We travel with her through the South of France to the former home of Camus, and visit the garden of the esteemed publisher Gallimard, where the lingering spirits of Mishima, Nabokov, and Genet seem to mingle in the air. Smith seeks out Simone Weil's final resting place in a solitary cemetery, a journey hours outside London, and meanders through the nameless Parisian streets that form the backdrop of Patrick Modiano's novels.

Whether capturing fleeting thoughts in a bustling café or on a moving train, Smith generously opens her notebooks, allowing us a privileged glimpse into the very alchemy of her art and craft. This arresting and original book on writing, part of the Why I Write series based on the Windham-Campbell Lectures at Yale University, offers a unique and inspiring insight into the mind of a truly remarkable artist.