description Just Kids Overview
Just Kids is a memoir by Patti Smith detailing her profound friendship and artistic partnership with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Published in 2010, it offers an intimate look at their lives navigating the vibrant New York art scene of the 1970s. The book explores themes of creativity, love, and loss through the lens of two groundbreaking artists who profoundly influenced American culture. It’s particularly relevant for those interested in music history, contemporary art, or the personal stories of iconic figures.
help Just Kids FAQ
What is the basic premise of Patti Smith's Just Kids?
Published in 2010, the memoir chronicles Patti Smith's intense relationship with the controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. It focuses on their formative years surviving in the late 1960s and 1970s New York City art and counterculture scene.
Did Just Kids win any major literary awards?
Yes, the book won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2010. Critics highly praised it for its evocative prose and its vivid, affectionate portrait of a bygone era in New York City, specifically at the infamous Chelsea Hotel.
Does the book cover Robert Mapplethorpe's death?
Yes, the memoir spans up until Mapplethorpe's death from complications of AIDS in 1989. Smith promised Mapplethorpe on his deathbed that she would one day write the story of their time together, which became the impetus for this memoir.
Which famous artists and musicians appear in the book?
The memoir features appearances by iconic cultural figures who were part of their bohemian circle, such as beat poet Allen Ginsberg, artist Andy Warhol, and playwright Sam Shepard. It vividly captures the atmosphere of the legendary Max's Kansas City and the Chelsea Hotel.
explore Explore More
Similar to Just Kids
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
