On November 2, 2026, Natalie Portman revealed her latest selection for Natalie's Book Club, choosing Lily King's 2025 novel Heart the Lover as the November pick. Natalie Portman announced Heart the Lover as her November 2026 book club pick in a Nov. 2 Instagram post.
The announcement has already garnered support from high-profile peers, highlighting the novel's resonance among fellow actors and readers.
Fellow Oscar winner Julianne Moore commented on the post with "I love that book", while actress Kate Siegel added "The best." Natalie Portman selected Lily King's 'Heart the Lover' for her November book club, and fellow Oscar winner Julianne Moore has already weighed in.
Context: The place of Heart the Lover in Lily King's work
Heart the Lover functions as a prequel to King's acclaimed 2020 novel Writers & Lovers, which was previously a Read with Jenna pick. Heart the Lover serves as the prequel to King's 2020 novel Writers & Lovers, which was a Read with Jenna pick.
King's seventh novel explores a campus love triangle that reignites years after the participants graduate. Heart the Lover is a 2025 novel by Lily King. The novel, King's seventh, follows a campus love triangle that reignites years after the participants' graduation.
The narrative spans roughly three decades, moving from the 1980s through themes of intimacy, grief, and motherhood. Heart the Lover is a 2025 novel by Lily King... The novel touches on themes of intimacy, commitment, grief, and motherhood.
The story centres on an unnamed narrator who is reunited as a result of a crisis with former lovers Sam and Yash. Heart the Lover is a 2025 novel by Lily King... After being out of contact for years, the three are reunited as a result of a crisis.
While the book can be read as a standalone, its connection to Writers & Lovers adds depth for returning readers. Heart the Lover is the second novel following Lily King's Writers & Lovers, although it can be read as a stand-alone book.
For LuvemBooks' full assessment of King's latest work, read our review.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heart the Lover worth buying in 2026?
Yes, the novel offers a compelling look at complex relationships and emotional depth, and Natalie Portman's selection highlights its enduring appeal.
What is the main message of Heart the Lover?
The story follows a protagonist navigating a campus love triangle that evolves over decades, touching on intimacy, grief, and motherhood.
Who should read Heart the Lover?
Readers who enjoyed King's previous work Writers & Lovers, or those who appreciate character-driven narratives about complex relationships, will likely find this novel rewarding.
Should I read Heart the Lover or Writers & Lovers first?
You can read Heart the Lover as a standalone, though it serves as a prequel to Writers & Lovers, offering additional context for returning fans.
