If you liked Matt Cain’s previous novels (especially his 2021 novel The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle, about an older gay postman in a quiet Northern town) then you’ll be in for a treat with Becoming Ted, a later-in-life coming-of-age novel with the same tender tone and heart-warming sensitivity, this time about a gay ice-cream seller in the quiet Lancashire town of St Luke’s-On-Sea.
Docile and uncomplaining, the very gentle Ted has his life shaken upside-down when his charismatic (read: mean and selfish!) husband Giles leaves him for another man. But as we’d hope from a novel with a lovely rainbow sun and pink high heel on the front, this break-up leads to Ted finally pursue his own dream: to be a Drag Queen. And all the while he’s followed by his very cute dog Lily (named after Ted’s favourite drag queen).
Embedded within this story, we see flashbacks to Ted and Giles’ past relationship (including some rather steamy moments against the ice-cream making machine!), and some chapters dip into the lives of other people and friends in the quiet Lancashire town of Luke’s-On-Sea so it’s great if you like the feeling of head-hopping through the world of a character. It’s even illustrated with cute ice-creams between scenes, so it’ll be perfect for a beach read (when we finally get to Summer again!)
'Full of warmth, humour and courage and I absolutely loved it!' RUTH HOGAN A charming, joyful and surprising story about love, friendship and learning to be true to yourself, Becoming Ted will steal your heart.
Ted Ainsworth has always worked at his family's ice-cream business in the quiet Lancashire town of St Luke's-on-Sea.
But the truth is, he's never wanted to work for the family firm - he doesn't even like ice-cream, though he's never told his parents that.
When Ted's husband suddenly leaves him, the bottom falls out of his world. However, what if from is heartbreak could come an opportunity for Ted to build something new? And to finally put what he wants first.
Because Ted has always had another dream. A secret dream. Since childhood he has always wanted to be a Drag Queen.
As he starts on his path of self-discovery, he will soon be faced with a choice. Will he take on the responsibilities that others have laid out for him, or will he choose to pursue his lifelong dream?
Readers love Matt Cain:
'One of the best uplifting books of the year' Independent
'Wonderful . . . an utter treat' Kate Mosse
'A great big hug of a book' Michael Ball
'A heart-warming, joyous love story' Adele Parks
'I cannot recommend this book highly enough' Lorraine Kelly
'This novel is just a bucket of joy' Glamour
'So uplifting, original and funny' Daily Mail
'Utterly joyful, you will smile your way through this' Sun