Lovely Lena Zavaroni

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.