Theo of Golden

By Allen Levi

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

" A] word-of-mouth smash hit." --The New York Times

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: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1668236567
• ISBN13: 9781668236567
• Release Date: November 2025
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful

Absolutely wonderful. It was exactly what I needed. I want everyone I know to read this.

Theo of Golden

Theo of Golden was exactly the book I needed to read right now in these days of self-centeredness and unkindness. It restores my faith in the goodness of people. I highly recommend it!

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!

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!