# Controversy over Rachel Cusk novel and Natalie Portman > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rachel-cusk-novel-on-natalie-portman > Updated: 2026-08-27T00:51:10.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 5. Following the release of Rachel Cusk’s novel ‘Life of M’ on 24 August 2026, the controversy regarding its perceived parallels to Natalie Portman has intensified. While Cusk has maintained the work is a piece of metafiction exploring identity and public image, critics continue to highlight biographical similarities. These include the character M’s rise to fame as a child in European film, experiences with bullying, and roles reminiscent of Portman’s career, specifically citing films like ‘Léon: The Professional’ and ‘Black Swan’. Observers have also noted that both the fictional character and the actress are noted to reside in France. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, the novel is described as an inquiry into fame, power, beauty, and truth. The narrative follows an unnamed writer using the actress M as inspiration. While some observers view the characterization as an unflattering portrait of a person hiding an ‘imposter’ behind a public facade, others argue the book serves as an exploration of how public figures navigate life under constant scrutiny rather than a traditional celebrity tell-all. Despite the widespread speculation and the characterization of the work by some British media as a ‘literary murder’ or ‘calculated form of humiliation,’ Portman—who has previously cited Cusk as one of her favorite authors—has not commented directly on the matter. Some reviewers have questioned the ethics of turning a real person’s life into fiction. ## Claims - Rachel Cusk authored a novel titled “The Story of M” (also called “The Life of M”) scheduled for release in August. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The novel’s protagonist “M” has a life story that closely mirrors Natalie Portman’s career, including child stardom, a ballet‑film role, Harvard graduation, marriage to French choreographer Benjamin M (corroborated by 3 sources) - Natalie Portman has said she feels betrayed and upset by the novel, claiming it does not reflect her truth. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Literary critics have called the portrait in the novel “dehumanising” and “very identifiable as Natalie Portman”. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The character M in the novel 'Life of M' is widely considered to be a fictionalized version of actress Natalie Portman. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Portman previously described Rachel Cusk as one of her favourite writers. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The character M describes her experience as a child actor in a film that ended her childhood. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The novel's protagonists reside in the same European capital, which coincides with Portman and Cusk living in Paris. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Natalie Portman has previously included Rachel Cusk's work in her Instagram book club. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The book will be available in bookstores in August. (single source) - The Telegraph described the novel as committing a 'literary murder' of the character. (single source) - The Times characterized the work as a 'calculated form of humiliation' toward Portman. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Rachel Cusk’s novel Life of M sparks controversy over Natalie Portman similarities Rachel Cusk’s new novel “Life of M” has ignited controversy following allegations that the protagonist is a thinly veiled and unflattering fictionalization of actress Natalie Portman. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rachel-cusks-life-of-m-sparks-controversy-over-natalie-portman-parallels-1 ### 2026-08-24: Rachel Cusk’s ‘Life of M’ sparks controversy over Natalie Portman links Rachel Cusk’s new novel ‘Life of M’ has ignited controversy following claims that the protagonist is a disparaging portrayal of actress Natalie Portman. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rachel-cusks-life-of-m-sparks-controversy-over-natalie-portman-parallels ### 2026-08-09: Natalie Portman reportedly upset by Rachel Cusk novel rumors Natalie Portman is reportedly upset by rumors that Rachel Cusk’s new novel, ‘Life of M’, features an unflattering character based on her, denying any close friendship or involvement in the book. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/natalie-portman-faces-speculation-over-novel-character-and-paris-appearance ### 2026-07-24: Rachel Cusk's 'Life of M' Novel Portrays Natalie Portman Rachel Cusk’s upcoming novel 'Life of M', due Aug 2026, is a roman à clef about actress Natalie Portman, prompting speculation over its unflattering portrait. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rachel-cusks-life-of-m-novel-portrays-natalie-portman ### 2026-07-17: Rachel Cusk's upcoming novel speculated to portray Natalie Portman Rachel Cusk’s new novel, due Aug 25 2026, is being linked to Natalie Portman, prompting speculation about a thinly veiled celebrity portrait and potential legal or brand repercussions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rachel-cusks-upcoming-novel-speculated-to-portray-natalie-portman --- Cite as: Controversy over Rachel Cusk novel and Natalie Portman. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rachel-cusk-novel-on-natalie-portman