Theo of Golden

Theo of Golden, Allen Levi’s first novel, appears to be introducing a new genre of kindness, a topic for which we crave. Theo is an 86-year-old man who sets out on an unusual mission: purchasing portraits and giving them to the people depicted. As we consider Theo’s motivations, the novel’s themes of kindness and generosity, and how realistic his quest may be, we will also explore the role of portraiture in the story.

In the second session, we will engage in a portrait-drawing exercise using a photograph you bring of yourself or someone you know. Art supplies will be provided. We’ll then return to the novel for a discussion of its possibilities and variations: Would the story be different if Theo were Thea? What questions or suggestions would you have for the author? Would you reread it? Whether you’ve read the entire book or simply want to explore its ideas, you are welcome to join the conversation.

Len DeAngelis, who retired as the head of the English department at Middletown High School, was the 1990 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. He has received Disney’s American Teacher Award and the 2018 Education for Service Award at UMass Boston. He has led seminars on “The Divine Comedy,” among other literature and writing seminars for many years. He is also the Rhode Island ambassador for the Portrait Society of America. Len is the author of “Our Time.”