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Does Rachel Cusk know Natalie Portman?

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Yes, author Rachel Cusk knows actress Natalie Portman, having met her after Portman recommended Cuskā€™s novel Second Place (2021) for her book club. Their association led some people to believe that Cuskā€™s 2026 novel Life of M was based on the actressā€™s life and career, especially because the title character shares many similarities with Portman. However, Cusk has said that Life of M is an examination of celebrity, selfhood, and contemporary consciousness.