Review of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

A real feel-good read, Theo of Golden is the work of Allen Levi, whose diverse background includes law, music and literature. He previously published a children’s book and a memoir before receiving global acclaim for his first novel.

Theo (just “Theo”) arrives quietly in the fictional town of Golden in the southern part of the USA. He is a refined elderly gentleman who is there on purpose and with a purpose. The book unfolds as he puts into action an idea to purchase a collection of sketched portraits by a local artist that he discovers hanging on the wall of the main street coffee shop. The subjects are all real people from in and around the town, and Theo makes it his mission to unite each portrait with its human inspiration. In so doing, each rendezvous (or ‘bestowal’ as he calls his handing-over ritual) is an opportunity for him to coax their unique stories from them and to make them realise how special they are. In many of these instances, he forges friendships with the recipients and then goes on to support and encourage them in various ways.

While the townspeople do not even know his surname (and eventually stop asking), his goodness, generosity and kindness strike a chord with many of them and create connection among them. Theo is slowly embraced by the locals but remains somewhat of a mystery man; much of his past and motivation are only revealed towards the end of the book – no spoilers to be found on this page!

If you enjoyed The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, you are likely to find Theo of Golden a really touching story centred on community, humanity and legacy.

A copy of Theo of Golden is available in our Chartered Client Library for short-term loan. Or purchase it online from Exclusive Books, see the link below.