Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Natalie Wood summary
Suzanne Finstad
Brief summary
Natalie Wood by Suzanne Finstad is a captivating biography that delves into the glamorous yet tragic life of the iconic actress. From her rise to stardom to the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death, this book offers a compelling look at Wood's personal and professional journey.
Topics
Table of Contents
Natalie Wood
Summary of key ideas
Early Life and Stardom
In Natalie Wood by Suzanne Finstad, we are introduced to the early life of the Hollywood star. Born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko to Russian immigrant parents, Natalie's childhood was marked by her mother's relentless pursuit of stardom for her daughter. Maria, Natalie's mother, was determined to make her daughter a star, and she did so by pushing her into acting at a very young age.
Natalie's career began at the tender age of four, and by the time she was a teenager, she had already starred in several successful films. Her breakthrough role came in the 1947 Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street. Natalie's talent and beauty made her a sought-after actress, and she quickly rose to stardom.
Personal Life and Relationships
Despite her professional success, Natalie's personal life was tumultuous. She was married for the first time at the age of 18 to fellow actor Robert Wagner. Their marriage was marked by intense passion and equally intense fights, leading to a divorce in 1962. However, the couple remarried in 1972, only to face another tragedy.
In 1981, Natalie drowned under mysterious circumstances while on a boat trip with Wagner and actor Christopher Walken. Her death was initially ruled an accident, but questions and suspicions lingered. Finstad's book delves into the events leading up to Natalie's death, exploring the dynamics of her relationships with Wagner and Walken and the circumstances surrounding that fateful night.
Challenges and Triumphs
Throughout her life, Natalie faced numerous challenges, including the pressures of stardom, a controlling mother, and two failed marriages. Despite these difficulties, she continued to excel in her career, earning three Academy Award nominations and starring in iconic films such as Rebel Without a Cause and West Side Story.
However, Natalie's success did not shield her from personal struggles. She battled with self-doubt, insecurity, and a fear of water that stemmed from a near-drowning incident during the filming of The Green Promise. These inner demons haunted her throughout her life and may have played a role in her tragic end.
Unanswered Questions and Legacy
As Natalie Wood draws to a close, we are left with unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding her death. Finstad presents various theories, including the possibility of foul play, but ultimately leaves the truth open to interpretation.
Despite the unresolved nature of her death, Natalie Wood's legacy endures. She is remembered as a talented actress, a timeless beauty, and a tragic figure whose life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Finstad's biography provides a comprehensive look at Natalie's life, shedding light on the woman behind the Hollywood icon.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Natalie Wood about?
Natalie Wood by Suzanne Finstad is a detailed biography that chronicles the life and tragic death of the iconic actress. Drawing on firsthand interviews and extensive research, the book offers a fascinating insight into Wood's early stardom, personal struggles, and complex relationships. It delves into the mystery surrounding her drowning and provides a thought-provoking exploration of fame, family, and the darker side of Hollywood.
Natalie Wood Review
Natalie Wood (2021) by Suzanne Finstad is a captivating biography that delves into the life of the iconic Hollywood actress. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through meticulous research and intimate interviews, the author provides an in-depth look into Natalie Wood's complex persona and her rise to stardom.
- From her relationships with industry legends to her struggles with fame, the book offers a glimpse into the glamorous yet tumultuous world of the golden age of Hollywood.
- With its nuanced portrayal of Wood's life, the book avoids sensationalism and presents a balanced perspective, keeping readers engaged and offering fresh insights.
Who should read Natalie Wood?
- Anyone interested in the life and career of actress Natalie Wood
- Fans of classic Hollywood and the entertainment industry
- Readers who enjoy biographies and exploring the personal stories of public figures
Categories with Natalie Wood
Book summaries like Natalie Wood
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Natalie Wood FAQs
What is the main message of Natalie Wood?
The main message of Natalie Wood is a comprehensive exploration of the life and mysterious death of the iconic actress.
How long does it take to read Natalie Wood?
The reading time for Natalie Wood can vary, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Natalie Wood a good book? Is it worth reading?
Natalie Wood is a captivating read for fans of the actress or those interested in Hollywood history. It provides a nuanced perspective on her life and legacy.
Who is the author of Natalie Wood?
The author of Natalie Wood is Suzanne Finstad.
What to read after Natalie Wood?
If you're wondering what to read next after Natalie Wood, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh