At ten years old, Lena Zavaroni captivated the world with an extraordinary
voice that belied her age. From a fish and chip shop on Scotland's Isle of
Bute, she skyrocketed to international stardom-performing for presidents
and queens, topping the UK charts, and becoming the youngest person
ever to headline at the London Palladium.
But behind the glittering success lay a devastating reality. Separated
from her family, placed on a diet at age ten, and thrust into an industry
that valued her marketability over her well-being, Lena developed
anorexia nervosa at thirteen-a disease that would torment her for
twenty-two years until her death at thirty-five.
Lovely Lena is the unflinching story of a child star failed by those meant
to protect her. Daniel Selby chronicles Lena's rise, her suffering, and the
systemic failures that allowed a talented little girl to be exploited, pressured,
and ultimately destroyed. This is Lena's all too short story-a celebration of
her remarkable gift and an urgent demand that we protect the vulnerable
children who entertain us. Lena Zavaroni deserved better.
Her beautiful voice will never be silenced.