ONE of the biggest novels to come out of Cornish poetry in an exceedingly long time, will be based on Launceston-born Charles Causley and his mother, Laura.

British novelist and Sunday Times bestselling author Patrick Gale is set to launch his latest book, ‘Mother’s Boy’, in a three-day event hosted by The Charles Causley Trust in Launceston.

Mother’s Boy, which will be released on March 4, explores the lives of two principal characters — Laura and Charles.

Based on the known facts of the boyhood and youth of Charles Causley and the life of his mother Laura, this emotionally rich novel is set to be the catalyst for finally giving Causley, one of Cornwall’s most famous poets, the limelight he never received.

Waterstones says: “Tender, compassionate and rich in psychological truth, Gale’s period novel of a child genius’ path through life and the secret desires he must keep hidden, resounds with thrilling emotional complexity and multi-layered characterisation”.

Born on the Isle of Wight, Patrick has lived in Cornwall since 1987 with many of his works reflecting his affection for the county. Not only a novelist, Patrick is also incredibly involved with literature in Cornwall and Devon; The Charles Causley Trust is proud to be able to call him one of their patrons, in addition to this he is the artistic director of the North Cornwall Book Festival, a patron of Penzance LitFest and a director of Endelienta.

To celebrate the publication of Patrick’s novel, The Charles Causley Trust are hosting a three- day Mother’s Boy event from March 4 to 6 with the author himself. The event will boast a whole array of events with Patrick and Mother’s Boy at the centre.

There will be a workshop for local students, book talks, the launch of the Causley Young Person’s Poetry competition, book signings, a charity gala ‘in conversation with Patrick Gale,’ and even an evening event at Eagle House Hotel, with Patrick, guest folksinger Jim Causley and documentarian and filmmaker, Jane Darke.

For an in-depth weekend itinerary and more information about how to book tickets, see the Charles Causley Trust’s ‘What’s On’ page. To pre-order Patrick’s book, see Bookshop.org