THE CORAL SEA

Before the National Book Award-winning Just Kids, Patti Smith addressed the life and passing of her intimate friend, photographer Ro bert Mapplethorpe. Through the linked pieces of The Coral Sea, Patti Smith honours her comrade-in-arms Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-198 9). She tells the story of a man on an ocean journey to see the Southern Cross, who is reflecting on his life and fighting the illne ss that is consuming him. Metaphoric and dreamy, this tale of transformation arises from Smith's knowledge of Mapplethorpe from a .. .