Author Talk with Matt Cain

Join us Bolton Central Library with the best selling author and Bolton native Matt Cain as he discusses his new book ' The Castle of Stories'

Cain has received critical acclaim for his works, including "Becoming Ted" and "The Madonna of Bolton."

Tickets will guarentee a seat on the day but you can also turn up on the day.

Copies of the book will be sold on the day and signed by the author.

THE CASTLE OF STORIES- Matt Cain

Modern Family meets The Durrells in this life-affirming, poignant and evocative novel set against the idyllic beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

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 up 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.

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 to prioritise queer authors and put queer-themed books first.

Born in Bury and brought up in Bolton, Matt now lives in London with Harry and their dog, Teddy.

Photo credit Clare Gardner Photography.

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