Madonna: A Rebel Life
In Madonna: A Rebel Life the star is covered in terms of cities; starting with Detroit and Michigan, her lyrics come to life when we, alongside Madonna, are reminded that there’s only so much you can learn in one place. From feeling like a nobody and tagging along to gay clubs in Detroit, dancing, finally feeling free–finally becoming a version of herself separate from the perception she construed as hers from her early school days. To life as an underground collaborative artist dumpster diving for meals living in New York. To Hollywood, and more specifically, everything that comes with it, the money, the fame, and a woman's role in Hollywood at the time.
In essence, this book is about Madonna’s natural instinct to stardom. Yes, nothing came easy, but it seemed merely part of the already paved path for Madonna. Her natural eminence led her, so that when asked about her ambitions, she answered that she wanted to “rule the world.” She knew what young people wanted and she knew what young women needed. At that time the young girls from the 60s and 70, needed a Madonna to let herself be perceived as liberated and sexual when they weren't—so they could be.
The resistance Madonna encountered, whether from male-dominated industries, uncharted territories, controversies surrounding her music videos, or clashes with influential institutions like the Vatican, was mentioned as a poignant indicator of the profound impact she achieved. It becomes apparent that the words she spoke, the actions she took, and the songs she sang in 1982 have evolved over time. Yet, she persists as an evergreen symbol of empowerment—a living testament to the enduring influence of her rebellious spirit that not only shaped her life but also left an indelible mark on the history of music.
Madonna birthed and mothered the Taylor Swift’s of the world and the Olivia Rodrigo’s. She handed them the do’s and the don’ts and the inspiration to be free. Author Mary Gabriel’s perception of Madonna came from the detachment of a possible fandom, allowing readers a nuanced commemoration of her narrative by choosing to distance herself and observing Madonna’s story objectively. Overseeing every aspect of her career, from her creation to presentation—this level of autonomy was revolutionary and showcased her as a visionary in the entertainment industry. Her five-year exploration of Madonna's life treated her as a historical figure, delving into archives to unearth Madonna's transformation into the iconic "Material Girl" and the pivotal-ness of the Madonna era, capturing the zeitgeist of the 1980s that shaped the trajectory of female artists who now dominate stages.
From Madonna’s beginnings in Detroit to her successes in New York and Los Angeles, this is a story about not only a star in the making, but the star in the making. Gabriel’s Madonna: A Rebel Life is a read for those interested in the stories of how stars are birthed, captured, and tossed into the worlds that shape them. Gabriel’s storytelling allows readers to relate to the tribulations faced by the icon who impacted a generation of music and a generation of women. A story that allows you to envision yourself in a path like Madonna’s, where your journey is led by your own longing for rebirth and in expression – your journey of becoming, and personal reinvention. Your own personal freedom.
Article by Renata Salazar, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Paige Schubert, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
RELATED STORIES
