Author Matt Cain is the co-founder of a new LGBTQ+ publisher aiming to bring queer stories into the mainstream.
The Castle of Stories follows Adam, a 45-year-old Mancunian who inherits a farmhouse and castle in Tuscany from a great uncle he never knew.
Leaving his Manchester life behind, Adam decides to renovate the property and start anew in Italy, joined by his boyfriend of two years, Theo.
When Theo’s ex-wife is unable to care for their children over the summer, the children join the couple in Tuscany, setting the stage for an emotional and life-changing season.
As Adam works on restoring the castle, he uncovers hidden family secrets, forcing him to confront the truth about his past.
The novel explores the challenges of forming a modern family, healing old wounds and embracing new beginnings.
It is also the first book release from Pansy, an independent LGBTQ+ publisher founded by Mr Cain and Harry Glasstone.
Pansy was created to address a long-standing gap in the publishing industry for mainstream, commercially focused queer fiction.
Mr Cain, who grew up in Bolton, said: "The name was inspired by a homophobic slur, reclaiming the term as an act of empowerment.
"As this suggests, the ethos behind Pansy is political and disruptive, as well as being playful and fun."
Following the release of The Castle of Stories in June 2026, Pansy will begin accepting submissions from other queer authors of commercial fiction, intentionally steering clear of niche or purely literary titles.
Mr Cain said: "It will respond to a major need in the publishing industry, which has often neglected or under-resourced queer-themed books classed as ‘commercial’, underestimating their potential readership and clipping the wings of LGBTQ+ authors.
"Pansy is here to overturn that belief and to put queer authors first."
Mr Cain is a writer, broadcaster and was Channel 4’s first Culture Editor.
He was recognised in the King's New Year Honours list for his services to LGBTQ+ culture and accepted his medal at the investiture ceremony at the castle this week.
The author was presented with the prestigious award by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.
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