Natasha: The Biography Of Natalie Wood Now

Suzanne Finstad's is widely considered the definitive account of the Hollywood icon’s life. Published in 2001, it is a deeply researched, often haunting portrait that explores the woman behind the "Natalie Wood" persona—the girl born Natasha Zakharenko. The "Natasha" Behind the Star

The book's title highlights the distinction between the curated image of "Natalie Wood" and the private "Natasha". Natasha: The Biography of Natalie Wood

Finstad reconstructs Wood’s journey from a child star in Miracle on 34th Street to a legendary actress in Rebel Without a Cause , West Side Story , and Splendor in the Grass . Natasha: The Biography of Natalie Wood - Amazon.com Finstad reconstructs Wood’s journey from a child star

: The biography reveals harrowing details previously obscured, including a rape at age 16 by a powerful star that her mother forbade her from reporting. Finstad details how Maria lived vicariously through her

: Born in San Francisco to Russian immigrant parents, Natasha was thrust into stardom at age four by her ambitious, controlling mother, Maria. Finstad details how Maria lived vicariously through her daughter, often through emotional exploitation and manipulation.