Theo of Golden (2023) by Allen Levi

 

Theo of Golden (2023) by Allen Levi

My mom sent me this book because she felt it was particularly moving, and I’d have to agree.

In it, Theo is an old Portuguese renaissance-man who takes up somewhat of a “retirement residence” in the quaint, mildly gentrified college town of Golden, Georgia. There, he encounters the work of a prolific local portrait artist on display at a coffeeshop, and makes it his mission to gift each portrait to the source-residents from which each face derives. In this way, he befriends all sorts of people, from veterans to musicians to Golden’s signature homeless cyclist - leaving them all with a piece of art and a heartwarming affirmation of the strength and beauty each portrait reveals in its subject.

While Theo of Golden does feel a bit contrived in its overt sentimentality (namely the unconvincingly diverse assembly of “characters from all walks of life”, as well as Theo’s own complete lack of flaws and unchallenged ability to make everyone bare their hearts at a moment’s notice), the novel still shines if taken as “aspirational” rather than “realistic”. After all, fiction is the only true haven for role models who need never fall short of expectation from “don’t meet your heroes” syndrome.

But in any case, I’m a firm believer in admiring positive actions rather than worshipping the people responsible for them. And Theo’s generosity would still be impactful even through a less saintly guise.

I know better than aspiring to BE Theo. But I’m nonetheless inspired to emulate his positive actions. To encourage people in their passions. To reserve judgement at face value. To appreciate the beauty of time and place. And to do it all unblemished by ego and self-pride.