‘Theo da Golden’, the novel hymn to kindness

Defined by the New York Times as “a true word-of-mouth miracle”, the novel tells the story of Theo, an elegant and mysterious elderly gentleman who arrives unannounced in Golden, a small town in the South of the United States. No one knows his past or the reasons for his visit. He simply says he has some “business to take care of.” The turning point comes when Theo enters a downtown café and is struck by a gallery of ninety-two pencil portraits of the town’s inhabitants, created by a local artist. From that meeting was born an idea as simple as it was revolutionary: to purchase all the drawings to return them, one after the other, to the people portrayed. What might seem like a simple collection of deliveries soon turns into a human journey made of listening, understanding and encounters destined to change the life of an entire community. Theo observes discreetly, captures hidden fragilities and accompanies each person towards a new awareness. Old wounds begin to heal, forgotten bonds are recomposed and those who felt invisible finally find their place.

But “Theo da Golden and the shape of happiness” is not just a novel about kindness. Its pages also intertwine with a mystery to be revealed, a past that resurfaces and a destiny that delicately takes shape, keeping the narrative tension alive until the last page. The book also represents one of the most surprising publishing stories of recent years. Initially self-published, the novel won over readers through word of mouth, eventually becoming an international bestseller. Allen Levi, born in Columbus, Georgia, lived in Scotland before returning to the United States. After practicing as a lawyer for about ten years, he chose to dedicate himself completely to music, publishing over twenty albums and writing hundreds of songs inspired by the stories of everyday life. “Theo da Golden and the shape of happiness” marks his debut in fiction, confirming the poetic sensitivity that characterized his artistic career. (by Paolo Martini)