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!)
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.
But what if this could be an opportunity to put what he wants first? This could be the chance to finally follow his secret dream: something Ted has never told anyone ...
Becoming Ted is the story of an ordinary man's journey to fulfil his extraordinary dream. It's full of warmth, humour and courage and I absolutely loved it! Loud, proud and ruddy marvellous! -- Ruth Hogan
The most joyful, heart-warming, and beautiful book ever. From heartbreak to following a dream, everyone will relate to Ted. I know it's a good book when I put down my wine to keep reading! -- La Voix
Matt Cain writes with energy and compassion about friendship, love and acceptance. This is a life-affirming story about one man's journey to be true to himself -- Fanny Blake
Author
About Matt Cain
Matt Cain was born in Bury and brought up in Bolton. He spent ten years making arts and entertainment programmes for ITV before stepping in front of the camera in 2010 to become Channel 4 News' first Culture Editor. Now a full-time writer, Shot through the Heart is his first novel. He lives in London. You can contact Matt Cain on Twitter @MattCainWriter
