Matt Cain - The Castle of Stories

Join award-winning author Matt Cain in conversation with Hilary Steel as they discuss A Castle of Stories, 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.

When Adam unexpectedly inherits a crumbling castle in the Tuscan countryside, it feels like the chance to begin a whole new chapter. But as he uncovers long-forgotten family secrets, his dream of a fresh start becomes something far more complicated—and far more rewarding.

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, was 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.

Photo credit The Authors Lounge