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Theo of Golden

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Theo of Golden

By: Allen Levi
Narrated by: David Morse
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£5.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST. Cancel monthly.

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THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING PHENOMENON

'A word-of-mouth smash hit' New York Times

'For anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. Nothing is what it's supposed to be if love is not at the core.'

One morning, a stranger arrives in the town of Golden. No one knows who he is or where he came from…

His name is Theo and he's arrived there by chance – or has he? He visits the local coffeehouse, where ninety-two pencil portraits hang on the walls, portraits by a local artist of the people of Golden. He begins purchasing them, one at a time, and putting them back in the hands of their 'rightful owners'. With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship born, and a life altered.

A story of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is a beautifully crafted novel about the power of creative generosity, the importance of wonder to a purposeful life, and the invisible threads of kindness that bind us to one another.

Readers love Theo of Golden…

'Heart-wrenching' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'I have read many books in my life – this is without doubt one of the greatest' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'The most beautiful book I've ever read' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Destined to become a classic' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'I have never cried so many times reading a book' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Salve for the soul' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

©2025 Allen Levi (P)2025 Simon and Schuster LLC Christian Fiction Editors Select Friendship Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Small Town & Rural Feel-Good Heartfelt Inspiring
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Editorial Review

Absolute gold
Theo of Golden has been making quiet but ever-swelling waves among readers since it was self-published two years ago. A fable of friendship with kindness at its core, this story follows an octogenarian who arrives, rather mysteriously, in a small town in Georgia and discovers a trove of drawings in a local coffee shop. As Theo reconnects pictures with their true owners, he sprinkles inspiration, revelation, and hope on the listener like gold dust. Emmy-nominated actor and narrator David Morse brings the exact right amount of gentle gravitas to the thoughtful, ever-curious Theo. —Emily C, Audible Editor

Critic reviews

'A word-of-mouth smash hit' New York Times

All stars
Most relevant
A beautiful story where sad things happened but human kindness prevailed. The author's use of language to convey feeling and atmosphere was perfect.

voice of Theo so comforting

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What a compelling, emotional, humbling and genuinely inspiring novel. Strayed out of my normal book choice and very pleased I did. Absolutely stunning writing and also superb narration. Such a thought provoking read - i genuinely wish I could have met Theo, the world absolutely needs more people like him. I hope the author will write again as if it is just half as good as this one, it will be outstanding.

Just Wow..!!

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Uplifting but not inspirational. The protagonist brings charm and joy to lots of people who pass it on.
Good story but not a great yarn or exciting.
Great new debut novel.
Heart warming.

lovely book

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I loved this book, I want to meet Theo, but would be so happy to meet his creator.

I didn’t want it end

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This “Unexpected” debut novel is a masterpiece. Beautifully written and sympathetically narrated.
I was swept along on the narrative. The brilliantly subtle kindness of a genuine philanthropist. It is part fairy story and part parable.
Bravo Allen! Please keep writing.

Really exceptional

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