Theo of Golden | Book Review

By Allen Levi

Narrator David Morse

ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY

Theo arrives in the small southern city of Golden and, on his first full day there, visits the local coffeehouse in search of a good cup of coffee. In addition to the coffee, he discovers ninety-two pencil portraits hanging on the walls. Captivated by the portraits of Golden’s residents by a local artist, he begins purchasing them one at a time and returning them to their “rightful owners.” With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship is born, and a life is altered.  But exactly who is this mysterious Theo? Where did he come from, and why exactly is he in the small southern town of Golden?

REVIEW

Theo of Golden is a beautifully crafted debut novel about kindness and generosity. It is a story of giving and receiving, and of quietly listening to others' hopes and dreams.  Not only did Theo listen, but he truly cared.

Author Allen Levi’s writing is superb. The creativity and thoughtfulness of Theo’s dialogues were astounding. His flow and pacing were perfect, and each of his many characters came alive on the page.

This has suddenly become one of my favorite books of all time.  My favorite thing about the book is the feeling that it evokes in me.  I enjoyed the read immensely, and I knew I was reading something very special. I was in no rush to finish. At the same time, the book was so good that I could hardly put it down. It was a relaxing, peaceful, and inspiring experience.

I rarely reread a book; after all, there are so many books out there to read, but this is one I will make an exception for. I will definitely read this book again and will make my book club read it! I haven’t stopped talking about it yet!

Author Allen Levi is a lawyer, a judge, and a singer-songwriter.  After writing a memoir about his brother, he wished to try his hand at a novel. Theo of Golden is the result.

I listened to Theo of Golden and was also captivated by narrator David Morse's voice, tone, and pacing.  He does an excellent job with the many diverse character voices, from a young black girl from the South to a brave, bike-riding homeless woman, a crusty old Vietnam veteran, and a mysterious man of the world from Portugal, just to name a few.  Read it Love it!

Publisher    Simon Maverick

Published   December 2, 2025

Narrated    David Morse

Review       www.bluestockingreviews.com