Theo of Golden

By Allen Levi

Book Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

One spring morning, a stranger arrives in the small southern city of Golden. No one knows where he has come from...or why...

His name is Theo. And he asks a lot more questions than he answers.

Theo visits the local coffeehouse, where ninety-two pencil portraits hang on the walls, portraits of the people of Golden done by a local artist. He begins purchasing them, one at a time, and putting them back in the hands of their "rightful owners." With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship born, and a life altered.

A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is a beautifully crafted novel about the power of creative generosity, the importance of wonder to a purposeful life, and the invisible threads of kindness that bind us to one another.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1668236516
• ISBN13: 9781668236512
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.3" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

A Masterpiece!

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is one of the most perceptive, reverent, soul-stirring, uplifting, profound, eloquent books I’ve ever read. I just finished with tears streaming and already I feel the need to reread it to allow its wisdom to be absorbed fully.

Hands down the best book I’ve read in years

This book is such a feel good book. Encourages you to serve and love others in a unique way. So, so good!

A stunning body of art in words

This older reader identified joyfully with the protagonist of this well crafted story; as the type of man I aspire to be, and be seen as. It is way cool to see the preparation of the author in his studies and his poignant song writing that prepared him for this masterpiece. Thank you Allen Levi for your remarkable contribution to world beauty.

Amazing

Such an amazing story. I fell in love with the characters and felt changed by it all somehow. Live life and talk to strangers!

Theo of Golden. Superb in every way.

Very possibly the best novel I’ve ever read. Cried huge tears. Laughed out loud. The kind of book you don’t want to ever end, but can’t stop reading. I would love to meet the author, sit down with him, look at his face, and hear his story.

Theo of Golden is a delight for the word pallet. I read once. Put down and reread 3 weeks later.

Each character is so well thought out and there is this beautiful thread that leads you to the surprise at the end.

Masterpiece to be relished!

Theo of Golden showcased Levi's sublime writing and characterization. This story will stay with you forever.

Loved!!

Great book! Best book ever! Highly recommended!

Theo of Golden

This is one of, if not the best, novel I have ever read!