MADONNA

A thoughtful biography of one of the most iconic entertainers of our time.

At more than 800 pages, this latest book by Gabriel, author of Ninth Street Women, spares few details about its subject. Born in Michigan in 1958 to humble, hard-working parents, Madonna Louise Ciccone suffered the loss of her mother at age 5. Once in New York City, she scraped by in the performance and club scenes and gradually rose to fame at a pivotal juncture where disco and punk suffered existential crises and MTV was in its infancy. Using music video and fashion as her mediums, and life as her muse, Madonna stirred a generation of young women. As Gabriel amply demonstrates, however, glamor and art are only part of the story. Proximity to the LGBTQ+ community drove Madonna’s advocacy for AIDS education. “In order to talk about AIDS,” writes the author, “one needed to talk about gay sex, and that was not a conversation to be had in Ronald Reagan’s America.” Unafraid to avoid controversy, she became the artist, according to her, that the critics “hate to love.” With years and locations serving as chapter signposts, Gabriel unfolds Madonna’s life seamlessly. The author shows us how her groundbreaking tours and acting chops in videos, on stage, and on the silver screen light propelled her, as well as a thick skin. “Madonna wasn’t overly bothered by the critics,” writes Gabriel, “which like the paparazzi seemed to be a necessary evil.” The author fully analyzes Madonna’s songwriting talent and her triple-threat ability as a singer, dancer, and actor. Often misunderstood, she emerges as a conscientious mother of six who treasures love and honors family while also remaining unafraid of expressing her sexuality. Ultimately, Madonna’s relatability is what will draw readers in, whether they listen her music or not.

Fans and neophytes alike will come away with greater respect for an uncompromising artist.