Theo Of Golden by Allen Levi

 

An older man moves to a small town in the South named Golden.  It is on a river which reminds Theo of his hometown long ago.  He spends his days walking around town and sitting in the square in the center of downtown.  He discovers a coffee shop he visits daily.  On its walls are scores of portraits of townspeople down by a local artist.  

Looking at the portraits, Theo finds a way to make friends.  He thinks such lovely art should belong to those portrayed.  He starts buying the pictures and making an appointment with the person illustrated in the town square near the fountain.  There he gives them the portrait and listens to their life story.  He makes a friend of each person he gifts, telling them the positive things he sees in them or hears in their story.  Soon more and more people are aware of him, including a local bookstore owner and a homeless woman who is also an artist.  

Theo doesn't talk about himself not even giving his last name.  When his story emerges, it is an amazing one and the town of Golden is thankful for the months he spent living there.

This is a debut novel that has gained readership by word of mouth.  Those who have read it want their friends to experience the loveliness and optimism this book engenders in those who read it.  Theo's life is one of kindness, doing whatever he can to bring joy to those around him.  His own story is one no one could have expected.  The author is a retired attorney who grew up in the same kind of town as Golden.  This book is recommended for readers who are interested in literary fiction that leaves the reader with happy, satisfied emotions.