Escape to the Italian countryside with The Castle of Stories, an uplifting and heartwarming novel by Matt Cain exploring modern family dynamics, love, and self-discovery. Follow Adam as he inherits a Tuscan castle and finds his life unexpectedly complicated by his boyfriend's ex-wife and children.

This novel is celebrated by critics for its empathetic storytelling and focus on queer joy and found family.

• A moving story about a 45-year-old man inheriting a castle in Tuscany.
• Explores themes of modern family, love, and breaking free from past pain.
• Features characters navigating new relationships and unexpected cohabitation.
• Praised as a universally uplifting and inspiring gay love story.
• Contains dark family secrets discovered within the castle walls.

When Adam quits his Manchester job to renovate a rundown farmhouse and castle in Tuscany, he expects a romantic adventure with his boyfriend, Theo. However, plans change when Theo's newly divorced ex-wife and their hostile children arrive for the summer. As tensions rise under the Italian sun, Adam delves into his uncle’s possessions, uncovering secrets that might finally allow him to build a new life filled with queer joy.

• Author: Matt Cain
• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• Print Length: 480 pages
• Publication Date: 21 May 2026
• ISBN-13: 978-1919443904
• Dimensions: 129 x 30 x 198mm
• Weight: 330g

Discover a relatable, funny, and moving celebration of found family in this brilliant new novel from Matt Cain.