An Evening with Matt Cain
Join Matt Cain for an evening of stories, he'll be in conversation with a leading host, where he'll share the secrets behind his unforgettable characters and what inspired his latest book.
Every book + ticket comes with a copy of Castle of Stories, which Matt will sign and dedicate on the night.
About The Castle of Stories
Stories don’t always unfold the way you expect them to…
When 45-year-old Adam inherits a rundown farmhouse and castle in Tuscany from a great uncle he didn’t know existed, he quits his job in Manchester to renovate the property. He’s thrilled his boyfriend of two years, newly divorced and out-of-the-closet Theo, is joining him. But Theo’s ex-wife says she can’t take their children for the summer, so they come too. As the temperature rises, so does the tension. The kids are hostile to Adam, immune to the beauty of the rural location – and scared of the resident lizards.
As Adam explores the crumbling walls of the castle and sorts through his uncle’s possessions, he discovers some dark family secrets. But could they finally allow him to break free from the pain of the past, start building a new family and open a life of queer joy?
THE CASTLE OF STORIES is a moving, heartwarming and uplifting novel about modern family in all its forms, what it means to love, and the importance of understanding your own story.
About Matt Cain
Matt Cain is a writer, broadcaster, publisher and leading commentator on LGBTQ+ issues.
He was Channel 4’s first Culture Editor, Editor-In-Chief of Attitude magazine, has written for all the national newspapers, and has appeared on BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain, The Today Programme and Lorraine. He’s a patron of LGBT+ History Month, has received an honorary doctorate from Bolton University, addressed the Cambridge Union, and in 2025 was awarded an MBE for services to LGBTQ+ culture.
Matt’s bestselling novels include The Madonna Of Bolton, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle and One Love. His latest, The Castle of Stories, will be published in June 2026 as the first title from Pansy, the independent publisher he's set up with his husband Harry Glasstone, specialising in queer books by queer authors for all readers.
Born in Bury and brought up in Bolton, Matt now lives in London with Harry and their dog, Teddy.