Theo of Golden

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your initial reaction to Theo’s portrait bestowal project? Did your perspective of his mission change by the novel’s conclusion?

2. Theo’s method of connecting with strangers through art recalls the central conceit in Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven, where seemingly random connections reveal a deeper purpose. If you have read Albom’s novel, which of the two narratives did you find to be more philosophically illuminating? Does Theo of Golden remind you of any other novels you’ve read? 

3. Which character transformation in the novel affected you most deeply? Why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Theo believes that “for anything to be good, truly good, there must be love in it” (129). What activities or creations in your life embody this philosophy?

2. The novel explores how being truly seen can transform a person’s self-perception. When has someone recognized qualities in you that you hadn’t fully acknowledged in yourself? How did this interaction change your perspective?

3. Many characters find healing by acknowledging sadness rather than avoiding it. Does this perspective align with your own approach to difficult emotions? Why or why not?

4. What rituals or practices in your life serve purposes similar to Theo’s sunset-watching by the river?

5. Ellen creates “featherwood” art from discarded objects that others overlook. What beauty have you discovered in unexpected places?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. What point does the novel make about class divisions through its portrayal of characters across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds?

2. The novel obliquely touches on the issue of racism through the “Eye of God” oak tree that witnessed lynchings in Golden’s past. How effectively does the author address this topic? Does the novel ultimately transcend the dynamics of prejudice and hatred, or does Levi’s indirect approach create a narrative that glosses over unpleasant truths?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Why does Theo hide his true identity as the famous artist “Zila”? How does this revelation change your understanding of the character?

2. How do rivers function as both setting and symbol throughout the novel?

3. The novel contrasts joy and sadness as different faces of the same coin. In whose character arcs is this philosophical perspective clearest?

4. In what ways does Ellen’s character challenge common stereotypes about unhoused people and those who have mental health conditions?

5. What do the continuing stories in the epilogue reveal about the novel’s themes of connection and legacy?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to receive a portrait bestowal from Theo, what qualities might he observe in you that others do not see?

2. The characters create “Fado for Theo” as a musical tribute. If you were to honor someone in your life, what kind of art would you create?

3. Imagine writing a letter to one of the characters five years after the events of the novel. Who would you choose, and what would you say?

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