I write striking historical fiction with offbeat perspectives inspired by true stories.

My first novel, Leaving Fatherland, is published in August 2024.

 

LEAVING FATHERLAND

Oskar Bachmann always imagined that giving his first lecture would be the defining moment of his life.

It was, but not in the way he expected…

With scenes inspired by real events, Matt Graydon’s Leaving Fatherland follows book-loving protagonist Oskar from his childhood in Nazi Germany to New York City and beyond, as he struggles to come to terms with his father’s abuse.

 PRAISE FOR LEAVING FATHERLAND

Graydon’s haunting, thought-provoking narrative makes for an immersive, memorable and cinematic read
— Award-winning filmmaker, Andi Reiss
A family drama which plays out across continents during and after World War Two. A novel with real honesty and depth, a great debut
— Iain MacGregor, historian, publishing director at Head of Zeus, and author of Checkpoint Charlie
“A moving family story which draws you in leaving you wanting more. Well-crafted and intriguing.
— Jenny Towey, Anglo-German Family History Society
‘A heart-told story which kept me bound to it right until the last page and well beyond. Leaving Fatherland is beautiful, combining a grand scale story with an intimate portrayal of our human frailty.
— Philippa Forrester, author and former Tomorrow’s World and Robot Wars presenter
Oskar Bachmann searches for answers about his violent father, his story taking us deep into the dark years of National Socialism and the Second World War. A life, accompanied by entanglements and guilt as well as a deep love for books, excitingly told right up to its surprising conclusion.
— Dr Doris Müller-Toovey, Head of New Conception at the Military History Museum Berlin-Gatow Airfield