Have you heard about “Theo of Golden?” If you have not, let me tell you, it is a fabulous book that is sweeping (if not the nation) the South! This is a debut novel that was first self-published by Allen Levi after his friends encouraged him to do so. Later, Simon and Schuster published it. Levi is an attorney, judge, singer/songwriter and now author. He lives in a small town in Georgia.
Theo shows up in Golden, Georgia, one spring day just before Easter. He knows no one in Golden. Nobody knows where Theo is from or why he is in Golden. On his first day in Golden, Theo goes out to the promenade and strolls by the river. He has left the cold of New York City and is enchanted by the flowers and warm weather.
He finds a coffee shop and decides to give it a try. After ordering an espresso that he finds delightful, he notices the walls are covered with penciled portrait drawings. He finds the work to be of exceptional quality. When the morning rush is over, Theo asks the owner about the portraits and the artist. The owner tells Theo the artist is a local man with great talent who has not been “discovered.” And the subjects of the art are either residents or visitors to the coffee shop. The portraits are for sale, but so far nobody has bought one.
Theo is very comfortable in Golden and is drawn to the penciled drawings. He feels compelled to purchase one of the portraits and try to give it to the woman depicted in the art. So, this is how Theo begins to inspire the residents of Golden. With each bestowal, a story is told, a friendship born and a life altered. Theo talks very little, answers few questions, but he is a kind and compassionate listener. Everyone needs and wants to tell their story. But not everyone is a good listener. So many times people are thinking about what they will say next instead of listening to what is being said and maybe what is not said.
This is a beautifully written book about kindness, encouragement and giving. I listened to the audiobook first. But there is so much to the novel that I then read the paper book so I could savor the story and underline passages. Several of my friends said this is a book you can read and reread. I know this is a very short review. But I do not want to reveal too much of the story. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. The characters will capture your heart. I want to add that this is not just a novel for women. I know several men who have enjoyed it as well.
Learn more about Allen Levi at www.allenlevi.com.
