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

Kindness in old age

For me, the book was about kindness and what you have time for in old age. Others might say the book was about love, but I would debate whether that was Theo’s primary characteristic and/ or motivation. I appreciated the focus on the small beautiful things which the old have the time to not just see, but to revere. I liked how the geography of Theo’s youth figured throughout his life as does the geography of my youth. I bought the book for my grandchild born in the year of its publication to help her know what the year of her birth was like. I hope that she will note that a first time author made it to the bestseller list with a novel about kindness and related opportunities in old age.

A true treasure

,I just finished this incredible book. It was our selection for our book club. I read a fair amount and since I am 77 yrs. old, that means MANY books! I want you to know "Theo of Golden" is one of my top five all-time favorites!. The story line and your writing style were extraordinary. I felt like I was in Golden and knew all of Theo's friends. The ending was so perfect! My book club meets tomorrow to discuss the book. I'm sure they will share my opinions.

Wonderful

Great story, great characters. Great reminder of the importance of kindness and connection.