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Nicole Kidman’s Literary Landscapes: From Tolstoy to Today, a Deep Dive into the Actress’s Favorite Books
LOS ANGELES – Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman has long captivated audiences with her performances, but beyond the silver screen, she finds solace and inspiration in the world of literature. “I can just read and read and read,” Kidman told W Magazine, calling books “my place that I can go when I need friends … more than cinema, more than television, more than any of those things, I’ve found through books.” For Kidman, literature provided an emotional foundation that shaped her career.
Kidman’s reading habits, ranging from childhood favorites to complex novels, reveal a mind deeply engaged with storytelling and the human condition.Her selections offer insight into her approach to acting and her understanding of complex female characters.
Growing up in Australia, Kidman immersed herself in Enid Blyton’s “Famous Five” and “Secret Seven” series, acting out the stories and fostering a love for narrative. “’Anne of Green Gables’ and ‘Paddington Bear’ were early favorites, too, and that affection for Paddington never faded. I went on and made ‘Paddington’ the film as I was so in love with Paddington Bear when I was little,” she shared on the “Books, Beach, & Beyond” podcast. This early passion for storytelling laid the groundwork for her future career.
As kidman matured, so did her literary tastes.She embraced the works of the Brontës, steinbeck, and Dostoyevsky, spending summers absorbed in the expansive narratives of Tolstoy. These books offered lessons in empathy that later informed her acting.
Here’s a closer look at some of Nicole Kidman’s favorite books:
“War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy
Tolstoy’s epic novel, though centered on Napoleon’s invasion of Russia, delves into the intricacies of the human experience during times of conflict.”War and Peace” offers a philosophical, psychological, and spiritual examination of life amidst chaos. Beneath the surface of war and empire, it explores themes of love, guilt, hope, and history.
At over 1,200 pages, “War and Peace” is a time commitment. its exploration of human suffering also makes it one of literature’s moast tragic works. Kidman likely resonated with the novel’s rich emotional detail: the quiet moments between battles, the unspoken connections in social settings, and the weight of unexpressed feelings. These are the details that have captivated readers as its publication in 1868.
“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
Before its adaptation into a successful HBO series,”Big Little Lies” was a popular thriller delving into the complexities of women’s lives. Reese Witherspoon, through her Hello Sunshine production company, recognized the book’s potential for adaptation. Witherspoon shared it with Kidman, and the two actors immediately connected with the story. “We loved the book,” Kidman recalled on the “Books, Beach, & Beyond” podcast. “We just said, this is fantastic.” Kidman reached out to author Liane Moriarty, promising to “get it made” and “honor everything you’ve written.”
The novel explores motherhood, marriage, and social dynamics within a seemingly idyllic community. Set in Monterey, California, the story follows three women: Madeleine, dealing with the aftermath of her ex-husband’s new marriage; Celeste, hiding the violence in her home; and Jane, a newcomer with a troubled past.Moriarty’s narrative exposes the dark underbelly of social conventions, presenting complex, flawed women.
The success of “Big Little Lies” highlights a growing trend in Hollywood: adaptations of books with strong female leads.actresses like Kidman and Witherspoon are actively seeking out these stories, recognizing the audience’s desire for complex and relatable female characters.
“Truly Madly Guilty” by Liane Moriarty
Kidman, an admirer of Liane Moriarty, told InStyle she was rereading Moriarty’s 2016 novel, “Truly Madly Guilty.” kidman and Witherspoon are again collaborating to bring this novel to the screen, continuing their support for Moriarty’s exploration of domestic unease and psychological depth.
The story begins innocently with a casual barbecue among friends. However, two months later, the event continues to haunt the characters.Clementine, a cellist preparing for an crucial audition, and her husband Sam, facing work-related challenges, are still affected by what happened. Other guests, including Clementine’s childhood friend Erika, her husband Oliver, and their hosts Tiffany and Vid, are also impacted. The story explores the lingering effects of a seemingly ordinary event.“The Fatal Shore” by Robert Hughes
While Kidman is one of Australia’s most famous exports, “The Fatal Shore” challenges the country’s idealized national narrative, revealing a history of violence and dispossession.
In this ancient work, art critic and historian Robert Hughes examines the origins of modern Australia as an act of imperial colonization. Hughes traces the journey from Georgian Britain’s slums and prisons to the transportation of convicts to Australia.
The book exposes the ruthless mechanisms of the British empire. Kidman, on the “Books, Beach, & Beyond” podcast, called it “a great book to read, incidentally speaking.” In the U.S., the book has sparked debate about the legacy of colonialism and its impact on indigenous populations worldwide.
“All Fours” by Miranda July
Nicole Kidman called “All Fours” riveting on the “Books, Beach, & Beyond” podcast. Miranda July’s 2024 novel is a meditation on desire, motherhood, aging, and reinvention, told from the perspective of a 45-year-old artist at a personal and creative turning point.
The protagonist leaves los Angeles on a solo road trip to new York but impulsively changes her plans. Checking into a motel in an unremarkable town, she embarks on a journey of self-revelation.
The novel explores themes of domesticity, marriage, ambition, perimenopause, and sexuality.The narrator navigates these issues with wit and vulnerability.
Counterargument: Some critics argue that celebrity endorsements of books are superficial and driven by marketing rather than genuine recognition. However, Kidman’s consistent engagement with literature, her detailed discussions of the books she enjoys, and her active role in adapting books into film and television suggest a deeper connection. Her choices reflect a commitment to stories that explore complex human emotions and experiences.
The books Kidman endorses frequently enough see a significant boost in sales, proving the power of celebrity book recommendations. This can be a positive thing for authors and publishers, but it also raises questions about whether readers are choosing books based on genuine interest or simply following celebrity trends.
FAQ
Q: What genres of books does Nicole Kidman prefer?
A: Nicole Kidman enjoys a wide range of genres, from classic literature like Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” to contemporary fiction like Liane Moriarty’s thrillers and Miranda July’s introspective novels. She is drawn to stories that explore complex human emotions and experiences.
Q: How does Nicole Kidman choose the books she reads?
A: Kidman’s reading choices seem to be driven by a genuine curiosity and a desire to connect with characters and stories on an emotional level. Her involvement in adapting books for the screen suggests that she looks for narratives with strong female characters and compelling themes.
Q: How has reading influenced Nicole Kidman’s acting career?
A: kidman has stated that reading has been an “emotional training ground” for her, providing her with a deeper understanding of human psychology and empathy. This likely informs her ability to portray complex and nuanced characters on screen.
Q: Are Nicole kidman’s book recommendations only for women?
A: While many of the books Kidman favors explore female experiences,the themes of love,loss,identity,and social dynamics are worldwide. Her recommendations can be enjoyed by readers of all genders.
Q: where can I find more data about Nicole Kidman’s book recommendations?
A: You can listen to Nicole Kidman discuss her favorite books on the “Books, Beach, & Beyond” podcast, as well as in interviews with various media outlets like W Magazine and InStyle.
