The Pelican — Book Review: Theo of Golden

By Tina Nappe

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi | Atria Paperbacks 2023

“A cloud of birds—starlings and redwings, thousands upon thousands of them—flew with synchronized precision, a dancing funnel, undulating in perfect unison.” P. 101

Theo, 86, comes to the town of Golden to start or end his life. He buys pencil portraits hanging on the wall of a local coffee shop, the “Chalice,” and sets up meetings with the person in the portrait. Therein lies the opportunity to meet a variety of the townspeople and hear their stories. Who is Theo, the townspeople wonder. Theo does not share his last name or background story. Theo likes kindness and gives kindness in return.

One of the stories is with Ellen, who loves birds. Clearly, this author likes birds. The book has a lot of warmth and goodwill. The reading is easy. Just don’t cheat and go to the end. The end will come soon enough.