The Madonna of Bolton

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Description

Charlie Matthews's love story begins in a pebble-dashed house in suburban Bolton, at a time when most little boys want to grow up to be Michael Jackson, and girls want to be Princess Diana. Remembering the Green Cross Code and getting out of football are the most important things in his life, until... On his ninth birthday, Auntie Jan gives him a gift that will last a lifetime: a seven-inch single called 'Lucky Star'. He discovers Madonna - and falls in love. Casting the pop icon in the role of his spirit guide, Charlie draws on Madonna's audacity and ambition to help him find the courage to overcome his own obstacles and become a success in life. His obsession sees him through some tough times, but in order to be truly happy, he'll need to find his own inner strength...

Reviews

The hardback received glowing reviews across the board from the Sunday Times, Mail On Sunday, Attitude, Heat and many more. Madonna will be in the UK throughout spring and summer playing live to promote her upcoming album The author is in talks with Madonna's own production company regarding a film option. Widespread support from celebrities and authors (including David Walliams, Mark Gatiss and S. J. Watson). Matt Cain is the former culture editor of Channel 4. He's well connected, particularly with gay celebrities and allies and will be appearing across print and TV around publication. Matt will be available for events and signings around publication and will appear at all the major summer music and literature festivals. For fans of Billy Elliot, Beautiful Thing and Maggie and Me.

Author Bio

Matt Cain is a writer, broadcaster, and a leading commentator on LGBTQ+ issues. He was Channel 4s first Culture Editor, Editor-In-Chief of Attitude magazine, has written for all the national newspapers and appeared on BBC Breakfast, Lorraine, Good Morning Britain, The Today Programme, Front Row and Woman's Hour.

Matt is also an ambassador for Manchester Pride and a patron of LGBT+ History Month. In 2021 he received an honorary doctorate from Bolton University and in 2023 he addressed the Cambridge Union. In the 2025 New Year's Honours List Matt was awarded an MBE for services to LGBTQ+ culture.

Matt's breakthrough work of fiction, The Madonna of Bolton, became Unbounds fastest crowdfunded novel ever before it was published in 2018. In 2021, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle was published by Headline, followed by Becoming Ted and One Love. His Quick Read Game On was one of the official short novels of World Book Night 2024.

Born in Bury and brought up in Bolton, Matt now lives in London with his husband, Harry, and their cat, Nelly.