46 pages • 1 hour read
Patti SmithM Train
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
M Train by Patti Smith is a memoir that explores her marriage to Fred "Sonic" Smith and her experiences of grief following Fred's death and her brother's subsequent death. It details her travels across Central and South America, Europe, and Japan, her reflections on past friendships, and the impact of Hurricane Sandy on her life. This work is imbued with a poetic quality, reflecting on loss, memory, and resilience. The text focuses on grief and loss and references suicide and natural disasters.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Patti Smith's M Train is widely praised for its poetic and introspective prose, reflecting deep personal musings and poignant narratives. Critics commend her evocative storytelling and vivid imagery. However, some find the book's fragmented structure challenging, noting it demands a patient and reflective reader. Overall, it's celebrated as a profound memoir for those who appreciate contemplative literary journeys.
Who Should Read M Train?
A reader who would enjoy M Train by Patti Smith is likely drawn to lyrical memoirs, meditative reflections on artistry, and poignant narratives of loss and memory. Fans of Just Kids by Smith, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, or Wild by Cheryl Strayed will find similar appeal in Patti Smith's eloquent storytelling and introspective journey.