The Star Wars legend was at the center of the literary scandal of the year

Natalie Portman has been a Hollywood star for over thirty years, but for fans of Star Wars she will always remain Padmé Amidala. Playing the young queen-turned-senator in George Lucas' prequel trilogy, Portman became part of one of film's most enduring franchises while still a teenager. Since then, she's built an illustrious career far beyond the galaxy far, far away, winning an Oscar for Black Swan and starring in hits like Thor, V for Vendetta, and No Strings Attached.

Now Portman finds herself at the center of an unexpected literary scandal.

Rachel Cusk's new novel "The Life of M" tells the story of a famous actress known only as "M" and a writer who decides to document her life. Although Cusk has not confirmed that the character is based on Portman, the similarities have sparked much speculation.

Like Portman, M became famous as a child, later starred in a film about ballet (like Portman in Vox Lux), and built a life in Paris (like Portman with her children and ex-husband).

The controversy surrounding The Life of M goes beyond the similarities between M and Portman. The fictional actress Cusk is portrayed in a rather unattractive light. M is outwardly charming and polite, but it is repeatedly hinted in the novel that her warmth is an act and that she is emotionally distant from those around her. The narrator portrays her as someone who constantly monitors herself and controls how others perceive her, rather than living her life naturally.

Perhaps most damaging is the assumption that M is incapable of genuine emotion or love. Her relationships with other people, including her children, are shown as distant, and even moments of grief or vulnerability are presented as opportunities for the expression of appropriate emotions.Critics have called the portrait dehumanizing, especially because of the striking similarities between M's fictional biography and Portman's real life.

This helps explain why the relationship was reportedly unpleasant for Portman. Although she did not publicly condemn the affair, she was reportedly offended or annoyed by the suggestion that M represented herself. Sources close to the actress emphasize that this character bears little resemblance to Portman's real personality or personal life.

This connection is especially intriguing because Portman and Cusk publicly admired each other's work. Portman presented Cusk's novels at her book club and praised the author's approach to storytelling.

Cask is known for her autobiographical style (that is, a style that blurs the line between lived experience and fiction). The Life of M takes this idea even further, exploring themes of fame, identity, and the difficulty of truly knowing another person.

Neither Cusk nor Portman have publicly confirmed that M is Portman. However, these assumptions made
Life of Mone of the most discussed literary releases of the summer.