Natalie Portman Expresses Shock Over Novel Allegedly Based on Her Life

Natalie Portman is reportedly upset by the upcoming release of Life of M, a novel by Rachel Cusk that features a self-absorbed, detached movie star named M, widely believed to be based on Portman. The book, set to be published later this month, portrays M as a diva struggling with fame and personal detachment, which contrasts sharply with Portman's private and bookish nature. A friend of Portman told the Daily Mail that she finds the comparison "a very low move" and is shocked by rumors suggesting her involvement in the book, which she denies.

Both Portman, 45, and Cusk, 59, live in Paris and have had limited interactions, including Portman hosting Cusk on her book club podcast and recommending her works. Despite this, sources say they are not close friends, and Portman views the novel as part of a cynical marketing campaign exploiting supposed female friendship fallout. The book contains multiple hints linking M to Portman, such as M's residence in Paris, her early career as a child star, and parallels to Portman's roles, including her debut in the 1994 film Leon and her Oscar-winning role in Black Swan.

The novel also touches on sensitive themes like childhood sexual abuse and public scrutiny, which do not align with Portman's real life but echo some of her past experiences. While some defend Cusk by noting fictional disclaimers and differences in details, the portrayal of M as cold and self-centered has angered Portman. Sources close to her emphasize that Portman is a private person who values female solidarity and feels the book violates that trust.

Rachel Cusk has not commented on the allegations, and both she and Portman declined to respond to requests for comment. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about the blurred lines between fiction and real life in literary works inspired by public figures.