BOOK CLUB: THEO OF GOLDEN

Some in my circle have argued that if you could read only one work of fiction for the rest of your life let it be the debut novel of Allen Levi, Theo of Golden, published in 2023.

This book has been having a moment in recent months, and though my book club doesn’t typically read literary fiction, we decided to get on board the Theo Train and start reading. We were not disappointed and are better humans for it!

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

For those of you who don’t know, Theo of Golden follows a year in the life of an aged but wizened gentleman who settles in the sleepy town of Golden, Georgia. While visiting the local coffee shop within his first week in town, his attention is directed to the nearly 100 portraits hanging on the walls. Each portrait is of a town resident crafted by the local artist, Asher Glissen, and Theo is so taken with each portrait he determines to purchase each one and return it to its “rightful” owner. Thus, through Theo’s gifting of the portraits, we are introduced to local personalities through the eyes of the kind and perceptive stranger.

Now, there is not a lot of food mentioned in this book, but there are enough general references to the coffee shop and “pastries.” We figured, why re-invent the wheel? Let’s meet at a local coffee shop! (Shoutout to Loveland Coffee of Irmo for their amazing facilities, drinks, and treats!)

I personally went with the barista’s recommendation, a Con Miel with half honey to wash down a very lovely slice of coffee cake. Neither stood a chance - and I confess I ordered a cinnamon roll to go. (To share with my kids, of course…)

Con Miel with a side of Coffee Cake

Before we go any further, let me apologize that the food pictures aren’t to the normal standard of the Food In Fiction Book Club by way of variety and selection. I also realize my pictures are rather shaded and that is because here in South Carolina we are experiencing what I call “Fake Fall” and - though we are willing Fall to arrive by hopefully donning our jeans, sweatshirts, and pumpkin themed totes - it is still 88 degrees with almost 200% humidity.

Moving on.

We loved this book! It is a sobering yet heartwarming read that we would recommend to anyone and everyone. Levi uses amazing descriptions and has many powerfully worded reflections that accurately and succinctly sum up many observations of life. With a dedication like the one pictured below, you just know you can sit back and wait for the author to deliver on his wit and turn-of-phrase.

The dedication page to Theo of Golden

The biggest “win” for the book that we just kept talking about over and over is the way Levi wove in the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the storyline. I knew nothing (still don’t) about this author and was pleasantly surprised by the way he first hinted at the Gospel within the first few chapters, gradually built stronger and clearer references to the Gospel, and eventually outright portrayed the Gospel by the ending. Levi artfully paraphrases Bible verses and themes as part of Theo’s everyday conversation so that even those that are unfamiliar with the Bible (or perhaps downright hostile to its message) might recognize that Theo draws deeply from a never-ending Source of joy and kindness. (Hint: It’s JESUS!)

The biggest complaint we had against the book is the pacing - it was a bit slow in parts but that is hardly a criticism given the type of genre we are reading. And, due to its often heavy subject matter (references to loss, abuse, abandonment…things that cause us all sadness in this broken world), sometimes a break in reading was warranted. I personally don’t like to be a sobbing mess just as I have to pick up the kids from school, for example, so I welcomed a reprieve here and there.

SPOILER ALERT: The other complaint we had is that Theo died. I can’t say I was surprised if you are considering Theo as a “type of Christ,” for example, and one might argue it was necessary for him to go so his friends could feel the full impact of his coming in the first place. We also didn’t like that poor, homeless Ellen was attacked in the park but we understand the "literary need” for that to happen.

Overall, the Food in Fiction book club ranked this 4.75 stars!! We also are considering a “deep-dive” into the content as there are so many themes to explore.

#justkeepreating

Does this sound like a book you might enjoy? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Reating!