Readers across Chester and beyond are invited to a very special evening with bestselling author and LGBTQ+ champion Matt Cain as he launches his highly anticipated new novel, The Castle of Stories, at Chester’s quirky Books On The Walls.
Taking place on Wednesday 10th June from 6.00pm to 7.30pm at Books On The Walls in Chester, the free event offers audiences the chance to hear Matt discuss his latest work, his writing career and the launch of his new publishing venture, Pansy. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance due to limited capacity.
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His latest novel, The Castle of Stories, is a moving and uplifting novel about family, identity, love and belonging. The story follows Adam, a 45-year-old man who unexpectedly inherits a farmhouse and castle in Tuscany from a relative he never knew.
Leaving behind his life in Manchester, Adam embarks on a journey of restoration and self-discovery alongside his boyfriend Theo and Theo’s children. As hidden family secrets emerge from the crumbling castle walls, Adam is forced to confront the past while building a future defined by acceptance, hope and queer joy.
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The novel is particularly significant as it marks the first title to be published by Pansy, a new independent publishing house founded by Matt Cain and his husband, Harry Glasstone. The publisher has been established with a clear mission: to champion queer authors and place LGBTQ+ stories at the forefront of contemporary publishing.
Matt Cain is one of the UK’s most recognisable voices on LGBTQ+ culture and literature. A writer, broadcaster and commentator, he was Channel 4’s first Culture Editor and later Editor-in-Chief of Attitude magazine. His bestselling novels include The Madonna of Bolton, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle and One Love. In 2025 he was awarded an MBE for services to LGBTQ+ culture.
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Kate from Books On The Walls, Chester’s quirkiest independent bookshop located on the historic city walls, says: “We are delighted to welcome Matt for what promises to be a warm, inspiring and thought-provoking evening celebrating storytelling, representation and the power of books to bring people together. We love hosting book launches and author events at our venue and this will be particularly special.”
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Matt Cain’s book launch and talk is taking place on Wednesday 10th June from 6.00pm to 7.30pm at Books On The Walls in Chester and is completely free to attend. Guests will also be able to enjoy the venue’s bar and barista service during the event.
Author Event with Matt Cain: The Castle of Stories (Pansy) / Wednesday 10th June / 6.00pm – 7.30pm / Books On The Walls, 2 City Walls, Chester CH1 2JG
CLICK HERE FOR FREE TICKETS TO THE EVENT
For more events visit Books On The Walls WEBSITE
