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Whatever it Takes: A Story of Family Survival

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Whatever it Takes: A Story of Family Survival (Paperback)

by Elaine Lordan (Author)

4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

RRP:	�7.99
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Product details

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Ebury Press; illustrated edition edition (18 Sep 2008)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0091917921
ISBN-13: 978-0091917920
Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.6 x 2.2 cm

Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 405,532 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Elaine Lordan is well-known to millions as EastEnders' Lynne Slater. Yet the real-life heartache and loss she came to suffer eclipsed even the rollercoaster troubles of her TV character. After leaving the show, Elaine lost her beloved mother when she took her life under a train. Then later that same year, just two days after her wedding, Elaine lost James, her one-year-old son and only child, to a rare condition. "Whatever It Takes" is the story of a no-nonsense working-class girl who hit the big time and enjoyed several happy years as one of the nation's favourite soap stars. Things took a downward turn as her heavy drinking and affair with a married man led to her being hounded by the press.Yet Pete would become the love of her life and together they would experience the unfathomable joy of having a child. This flush of happiness was short-lived, though, as Elaine felt the full impact of her mother's death, while her son James battled for life. It wasn't long before family life revolved around the hospital - hoping for the best, but fearing the worst. Full of larger-than-life characters from her boisterous Irish family and close circle of north London friends, Elaine tells her story with heart-wrenching candour. In this life-affirming memoir of overcoming tragedy, we see how Elaine's indomitable spirit and innate humour have carried her through even the bleakest moments, and how one woman's 'sink or swim' approach has ensured her survival.

From the Publisher

A compelling story of love, loss, celebrity and family survival from one of the nation's favourite soap stars --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Customer Reviews

5 Reviews

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Average Customer Review

4.8 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book,well done elaine, 20 May 2007

By	Mrs. Deborah maynard (heathfield, east sussex) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Whatever it Takes: A Story of Family Survival (Hardcover)

I bought this book having read about the struggles Elaine has faced over the passed couple of years, the grievances she has been through and how she has coped.

I found the book an excelllent read, very relaxing read but at the same time you get easily engrossed in it. The highs in the book are lovely to read, the stories of her happy childhood, the effort she put in to become the actress she is today, the background of loving parents and the importance of strong friendships.

The sadness gripped me with the loss of her mother through mental health problems and the thought of never knowing for sure what really happened. The love between mother and daughter was shown as very strong throughout the book and the devastation Elaine and her family must have felt with the unexpectedly loss of her mother was written with truth honesty and from the heart.

The sadness of losing her son, the battle they all went through to keep him alive was an inspiring read. A real little fighter was shown thoroughout the book, what a wonderful little boy. They say only the best die young and I believe this to be true. Elaine and her husband deserve such happiness in their lives and in their future.

Well done Elaine on writing a truthful, honest , down to earth book and I wish you and your family all the best for the future, i really do. Throughout the book you have shown that you are a strong lady with a good sense of humour, this is important with what life throws at you so hold on to that and you are very lucky to have such lovely true friends and a wonderful husband. Keep those happy memories of both your mum and your son and hold on to them forever. Well Done. This book is fully reccommended.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real tearjerker!!!, 19 Jun 2007

By	M. jones "mazza j" (u.k.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Whatever it Takes: A Story of Family Survival (Hardcover)

This book is Fantastic.

I brought it to read only because i wanted to hear her side of the story about being an "alci" like all the papers called her, I was engrossed! her stories of her childhood and becoming an actress were amazing, then it gets to the part about her mom which was unbelieveable i do not know how she coped, luckily she had her son to help her keep it together and her fabulous husband pete. Then the worst bit of all the death of her son, oh my gosh how much did i sob!!!

This book is amazing and i think everybody should buy it and read it you can not believe what this lady has been through.

I hope she is happy in her life now as she truly deserves it.

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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars elaine lordan whatever it takes , 25 Nov 2007

By	P. T. Pridden "mand p" (cheshire wa eng) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Whatever it Takes: A Story of Family Survival (Hardcover)

one of the best books i have read didnt much like her before but heart wrenching and very honest coudnt put it down i fully recommend it

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Absolutely fantastic.This book is by far the best I have read in a long time.I couldnt put it down and just had to keep reading till I had finished. Read more

Published 13 months ago by N. Shrives

5.0 out of 5 stars a truthful read
an excellent account of Elaines career,family and all the difficulties she's faced.Honest,funny and very sad just a "normal" Mum and wife who happens to be an actress

Published 18 months ago by DS

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