Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Fiction
2023
Narrated by David Morse
Finished on 3/3/2026
Rating: 3/5 (Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
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.
I was really excited about reading this debut novel after seeing so many glowing reviews, so I purchased a copy, something I rarely do unless I'm certain it's one I'm going to love. I read several chapters, but wasn't impressed. I decided to try the audiobook with hopes that it wouldn't be as slow as the print edition. I increased the listening speed, and eventually got interested in the story. I wish I could say that I loved Allen Levi's book, but it just wasn't for me. I liked the novel well enough to finish, but it's not one that I can recommend. Theo of Golden is an uplifting and inspirational story (with an underlying Christian message), which will appeal to fans of Mitch Albom and Nicholas Sparks. For me, the pacing was too slow, and overall the book was a touch too saccharine and sentimental.
Les, I felt exactly the same. My sister loved it, and I read it because of her recommendation. It was good but I did not love it.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous (care to share your name?), I almost gave it a lower rating, but the second half of the book held my interest. Glad to know I'm not the only one who was disappointed.
DeleteIt's always funny to me to see a book pop up everywhere, and suddenly a book is a bestseller and everyone seems to be talking about it. I am glad people who perhaps don't read much find a book like this to read and enjoy and share with others.
DeleteAbsolutely! I can see how it would appeal to a lot of people who aren't avid readers. A little light, yet meaningful. Just not for me.
DeleteOh, that was me!
ReplyDeleteDeb, you were the anonymous commenter? Got it!
DeleteI like Mitch Albom but I don't like the sound of the underlying Christian message, will skip this one. Don't you hate spending money on a book you think you'll love and it bombs?
ReplyDeleteTina, the Christian theme was very subtle, so maybe you'd still enjoy the book. I'd be happy to send it to you, if you like.
DeleteI appreciate the offer but will pass on this one. Thank you though!
DeleteThis sounds like I should skip this one.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I know some readers loved it, but it wasn't for me.
DeleteI find myself increasing the speed of some audio books as well! This isn't going on the list, but I'm curious about the setting. Was it Golden, CO, or a fictional Golden?
ReplyDeleteIt's a fictionalized version of Columbus, Georgia. I thought it was in Colorado, too!
DeleteI have heard similar things from other people. We considered it for book club but decided to avoid it.
ReplyDeleteAnne, I just read another reader's review about the book today on Substack. She felt the same as I did, so I'm glad I'm not a complete outlier!
DeleteSeveral friends have loved Theo of Golden, but I've been hesitant to pick it up. My concerns are mostly that it's overly sweet and sentimental, so I'll continue to avoid it. I appreciate your review.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I'd say if you're hesitant, go ahead and skip it. Too many books, too little time, right?
DeleteI'm glad you explained this one a bit ... as I didn't know what it was about or why people were talking about it. Not sure I'll put it on my list.
ReplyDeleteSusan, it's interesting that this suddenly became very popular. Word-of-mouth sure can help push a book! I wonder if you'd like it...
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