Natalie: a Memoir By Her Sister

by Lana Wood

Hard cover

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Memoir, Film, Celebrity, Media Tie In

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Natylie Baldwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up several years ago thinking it would be about Natalie from an interesting family perspective. While there were some interesting anecdotes from their childhood, including some insights into their typically narcissistic stage mother, it ultimately seemed to be more of a vehicle for Lana to detail her sexual escapades around Hollywood while trying to become an actress.

Coming from such a dysfunctional family, I do have some empathy for both sisters, but in Lana's case, I also couldn't help wondering why it apparently never occurred to her to leave her clothes on long enough to put some actual effort into her craft, instead of expecting to get somewhere simply because she was Natalie's sister. This book, unfortunately, seems to be an extension of that thinking.

In short, if you don't mind wading through Lana's rather trashy and uninspired life to get the few interesting tidbits on Natalie, then go ahead and read this as a supplement to one of the better quality biographies of Natalie.

[Merriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it was a whole lot less about Lana, this book would undeniably be better. However, Lana simply isn't in a position to write a good biography about Natalie Wood. Everything about this book suggests that she was an outsider. She even make you feel like an outsider because of her viewpoint. Maybe if she had spent some time digging a little deeper into Natalie's life, she would have written a better book, but as it is...well, it's worth the read and it does have some interesting stories. It's sad that that should be the best that can be said about it because someone who knew Natalie could have added a personal touch to a proper, full-length biography, but all you get here is Lana's slightly biased remembrances. It could have been so much better.

[Roberta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Memoir of her sister, my a$$. This is a thinly disguised autobiography of the overshadowed, less-talented sister who knows no one would buy her biography so she pawns it off as her sister's story. What a dysfunctional family - lots of drugs, alcohol, fighting, and sleeping around.

[Karin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember hearing about Natalie Wood's death, but can't say that I really knew who she was before then, although as a child I saw West Side Story. I had certainly not heard of her sister.

This book isn't just about Natalie--there is a lot of memoir and biography about Lana as well--her career, her marriages, her other things in her life. It's more about both of them. Parts of it are interesting, but, frankly, I found a lot of this boring as well as tragic. Their mother was a piece of work--the epitome of the pushy stage mother. The two women grew up in a dysfunctional family unit and, apparently, for Natalie, who became a star as a child and stayed that way through her formative years, it became her identity, because even though she died a very wealthy woman, she was still trying to get back to being a big star, or so the story goes (not a spoiler here, since her death was well publicized and remains a mystery to this day). I did lose respect for a few actor while reading this book.

I have to say that I far prefer the biographies that are about a lot more than just sex, betrayal, soap opera style lives and I know that not all actors live those kinds of lives. But mainly, I just don't think that Lana Wood is a brilliant biographer even if she has other talent. Also, I want to know what person put a bunch of erotic novels on her page that she did not write (just check her author page on Amazon, for only one place).

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was rather disappointed in this book. I'm not saying everything about it was bad, but throughout its entirety, Lana Wood writes too much about HERSELF. It's almost like she wrote the book so she could sell the story of her own life. The thing is, no one cares. There were some interesting facts about Natalie, just not what you'd expect from a biography supposedly about her. I gave it 3 stars because there was enough good information about Natalie to deserve this, but I think I would definitely read a biography about her by a different author next time!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm friends with Lana, so I got it from her to read. It's the only one of any that are out there that give a real story of a real girl who happened to be a movie star as told by her sister.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book this morning after reading on it for a few days. There are actually a few books on Natalie so it was very hard to pick which to read. I think Lana did a wonderful job on this book, however there are a few things that have been discussed in other books that she didn't even mention. Does that mean Lana wanted them left out? Or that they never happened? I am going to read another book on Natalie now; Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour.
I found her death to be questionable, how Lana didn't think so, or wouldn't admit it I'm not sure. I believe that is why she was so angry, but she didn't have a confrontational bone in her body.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe Lana had good intentions when writing this book, but it ended up being all about herself and her affairs. If you are debating on whether or not to read this, read it for the special memories she recalls, for her point-of-view on specific events in Natalie's life, and for the photographs.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read, filled with lots of lovely photos and always compelling. I finished this in 2 sittings.

I saw several criticisms of this memoir because it features a lot of Lana’s life. But it is a memoir of her sister. She can’t know everything Natalie Wood did and felt, it’s Lana’s story and it’s just as fascinating.

The perspective of Lana’s is unique because she was very close with her sister growing up and would’ve been the expert that saw her life first hand. A very sad story overall, and still a mystery surrounding her death (although this memoir does not get into any suspicious circumstances).

Very well written and a will forever remain a moment in history, the feelings and uncertainties of the time laid out as it was. I would recommend this to anyone interested in old Hollywood.

[Jeaninne Escallier · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high school students who wrote better than Lana Wood, but as a child I revered Natalie Wood. I must say, Lana certainly made the read worthwhile because she did have an inside look into her famous sister's life. I appreciated her candor and her love for her sister.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a ridiculous and self-serving book. I was hoping to get better insight into the death of Natalie by someone very close to her, and from a time before internet theories took over. Given this book was written a couple years after her death and by her sister, it seemed like a perfect way to do that. The major problem is that 90% of the book is about Lana herself. This is essentially an autobiography of Lana. And with how Lana constantly got involved with Natalie's ex's and tried to profit off her reputation, I wonder if Natalie even needed enemies when she had her sister.

There are a few things I could note about the book- I have decided after reading many classic celebrity biographies that "old" Hollywood is absolutely saturated with disgusting and selfish people, just like contemporary Hollywood. I'm not sure if Hollywood attracts a certain kind of person, or if simply being in Hollywood corrupts everyone's soul. It's probably a combo of both, and I can't think of a single person mentioned in this book that is someone I still like at this point. The second thing is- it became even more clear how likely Natalie was chronically abused by Robert Wagner, and I do think he had responsibility in her death. Her agitated and nervous behavior that everyone saw after she re-married him could indicate he was an angry and controlling man. Her sister said Natalie had to always make sure everything was perfect for him- the house being a certain way, his food cooked a certain way, how long she could be with other people...she practically withdrew from everyone in her life. All are classic signs of abuse. Robert also commented on Lana's body in a clear attempt to upset Natalie. The behavior of both Robert and Christopher Walken after her death speaks volumes as well. Both aloof to the point that they couldn't even console anyone or be consoled. They wanted to distance themselves and stay so silent about it that they shut down and cut off any attempt to talk about it or figure out what actually happened to her. Robert cut Natalie's family out of the children's lives as well. He didn't want anyone who knew Natalie around him after she died.
All said, I wish I hadn't actually picked this book up. I can't recommend if for any reason.

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of the book is filled with Lana's little escapades and personally memories without Natalie, more so from her stand point of what it was like growing up in her shadow as a young girl, with her mother and the struggle with needing to please her and everyone. It held a lot of dynamic in that sense, showing the unhealthy relationship both Lana and Natalie had with their mother. While there are parts that seem to go nowhere and have little to do with Natalie I think it makes sense for it to be that way. She is writing it from hr point of view and her memories, so as a young child when a lot of what she saw of Natalie she may not remember or even be present on set a lot since her mother slowly turned her focus form Natalie to her and pushing her to also become a star. Then later they were estranged and what she did know or hear of her sister was through other people which also was very little. To expect this tell all memoir and details from every aspect of Natalie's life you would need her to have written an autobiography. So it depends on what type of account you wish to read. I think family dynamics show a lot of insight to what a person was like far more than all the stories from a friend or celebrity that may have once known her because it is then only from that pin point in her life. A lot of people complained that there were parts that had very little to do with Natalie, but while they didn't they sort of did. They were Lana's accounts and she wasn't always in a point in her life with Natalie and knowing what she was doing. I think it was as well written as it could be with a different insight. If you want more or prefer stories from a bunch of different people to complete a whole picture then this book isn't for you.

[Katie Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a reread of a book I read as a teenager!

4 stars because I loved reading about the 60s glitz and glamour, the name-dropping, the stories around Old Hollywood and California. Natalie is a cool icon to read about, the aesthetic, the style, the damaged glitz. Rereading as an adult, I realised how frustrating her sister, the author, was - quite a few indulgent whinings about circumstances she put herself in- why doesn’t Natalie like me just because I sold her wedding photos (and didn’t even tell her until publication)?, why doesn’t RJ talk to me, when I sold Natalie’s clothes bequeathed me in her will?, why was Natalie mad when I dated her exes?, why would she mind if I used Warren Beatty to pay for my marriage refuge (to get out of a domestic violence issue) - surely there would have been a team of people who could have assisted her, versus the ONE person Natalie had a fight with the night she attempted suicide? Despite all this, this doesn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book! A fun, escapist, Old Hollywood read.

Interestingly, I do wonder whether such a book of revelations would have exacerbated a strained relationship between the sisters, had Natalie lived, or known of this postscript.

[Ria Rörich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written

I have an older sister - we have our ups and downs. This is an excellent book about Lana’s experience of their relationship. Thank you, Lana, for sharing something so personal. It helped me in my relationship with others - making me more aware of what THEIR experience is.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lana Wood writes about her famous sister and her own tumultuous life with candor and emotion. An intimate look into the tragically shortened life of a much beloved star. Includes many studio and personal photos. A must-read for fans of the Wood sisters!

[Michael Goth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lana Wood's touching memoir if her late sister Natalie. This is not so much a biography as the story of a special bond between two sisters.

[David White · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had tidbits about Natalie wood but it should’ve been an autobiography about Lana woods. This book bored me to tears

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting on how Lana and Natalie where raised and their relationship.

[Jessica Hoover · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very dry and boring.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how much Lana Wood was paid for this book but it was too much. Not worth the time to read it.

[Debbie Denson Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I wanted a book about Natalie Wood. This one tells more of Lana's many men and then comes back to Natalie.

[Kiki Kitsinis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words that could describe this incredible book. This is by far the best memoir I have ever read. It’s impossible not to feel so connected to Natalie.

[JoAnn Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie was one of my favorite actresses growing up. I have had this book on my shelf for years, and just now took it down to read it. Reading from her sister's perspective, I got an interesting peak into the life of Natalie and her sister. It was quite eye opening to see how lives of someone so beautiful and talented could be so controlled and constantly seeking. It was an unexpected bonus to learn more of Natalie's sister and author of the book as well. It would be interesting to read a biography now on Robert Wagner who was one of my favorite television actors through my later years to see if any of the questions Lana brought up are answered.

[Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short, interesting read. Well worth the time, but it was mostly about LanA Wood. That is OK, but I really wanted to know more about Natalie. I did find out some very interesting things along the way (Sean Connery)as Lana Wood was one of the Bond Girls in Diamonds Are Forever! See, some nice info here you didn't know you'd find.

The tragic death of Natalie is also described in the back of the book. Seems everyone that was there when it happened have kept their mouths very closed shut about it. Case closed.

[Sophie Strand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and fascinating look into Natalie Wood's life and the details of her mysterious death. Lana Wood, her sister, writes frankly and sincerely about all aspects of Natalie's life and goes into great detail about everything. I loved reading about her affairs with Warren Beatty and other leading men and of course, her 2 marriages to Robert Wagner. Surprisingly, Lana Wood herself is a fascinating character and she strikes a great balance between revealing lots of details about Natalie while sharing some of her own fascinating life.

[Bonni Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of book on Natalie Wood and I believe this one is one of the best .Her sister has first hand knowledge of a lot of events that happened her her life and she did share a life with her. I'm not saying that maybe some of it wasn't exageratated, all books are I think to a point, but I think that there is something to be said about growing up in a household with the person that you have written about. Facts, dreams, etc that may be just a little more in detail because you are so close to the drama.

[Pam Herrmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm. A Memoir about Natalie Wood by her sister Lana. More likely a book about Lana trying to be just like her sister or maybe even better than her sister. Their mom was not a very good role model and Natalie could do nothing wrong in her eyes. Both girls had major relationship issues including both sleeping with the same guys. Lana portrayed Natalie as very controlling and mean spirited. I wonder if the theory of her being drunk and possibly on medication and falling overboard is really how her death happened.

[Althea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this book after reading Robert Wagner's autobiogrpahy. I wanted to find out if Natalie Wood was as she was portrayed by him. Her sister's book is just as complimentary to Natalie; however, there's a certain animosity in Lana's book toward RJ and in RJ's book toward Lana. Now, I'm going to read a book by the captain of RJ and Natalie's boat Splendour supposedly telling the true story of what happened on the boat the night Natalie died.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is supposedly a biography of Natalie Wood written by her sister, Lana. What it actually is is Lana's memoir with Natalie's picture on the front. I didn't hate it because it was actually interesting, and there of course were stories about Natalie in the book. But it wasn't really what I was looking for when I picked it up. As a sidenote-- her editor should be shot. This book is not well written at all. But I guess that's what you get when a movie/tv actress writes a book...

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A guilty read. Like I really need to know about the sordid lives of celebrities. And this one's written by the 'sister-who-never-made-it-big' sister of a well known celeb. Still...it was interesting. Sounded like Lana was trying to explain away too many things. Whatever. It was on my mom's book shelf. I had time to burn.