Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Book Blurb:

Questions linger about Theo, a pleasant but mysterious stranger, after his arrival in the southern city of Golden. Who is he, and why is he here? He arrives early one spring and by chance – or is it? – he visits a coffee shop where 92 framed pencil portraits are on display. Inspired, Theo sets out on a mission of purchasing all the portraits one at a time and quietly bestowing them on their ‘rightful owners.’Stories are told; friendships are born; and lives are changed.
Theo of Golden is a beautifully crafted story about the power of creative generosity, the importance of wonder to a purposeful life, and the far-reaching possibilities of anonymous kindness.

My Review: 4.25 stars

Click here to order on Amazon

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is one of the most unique, beautifully written, and refreshing books I’ve read in a long time. Interestingly, this book came out two and a half years before I’m writing this review and although the book got a quiet start, it’s now, all this time later, the “it” book of 2025. This book is tangible proof that word of mouth in the book world works!

This book celebrates art, generosity, connection and identity. All of these themes were braided into the novel in varied ways. There are so many books out about the octogenarian who is grumpy, yet miraculously, meets someone younger that brings a spring to his or her step. This book was the exact opposite of that trope felt fresh. In this case, it’s Theo, an octogenarian who is quite happy and bestows goodness and gladness to the people of Golden.

Theo kept his life mysteriously hidden to townspeople, yet he was still able to befriend them and made amazing relationships with everyone. I kept waiting for a twist that he was an angel or a ghost, but nope, he was just a goodhearted man.

The only issue I had with this book was that in my opinion it was overwritten. It was heavy on descriptions to the detriment of the story in some cases. I think an editor would’ve been helpful, however, it doesn’t seem to matter because readers, even myself, love the story!

Quotes I liked:

It is another of life’s great mysteries that sadness and joy can coexist so compatibly with one another.”

“No, my dear. Sadness might be many things, but it is rarely stupid. The good sadness, I think, is always trying to tell us something very important.”

“And there is the beautiful possibility that great love can grow out of sadness if it is well-tended. Sadness can make us bitter or wise. We get to choose.”

“Maybe not directly and never entirely, but somehow, I fear, we own all of the world’s hurts together.”

“Nothing is what it’s supposed to be if love is not at the core.”