

Allen Levi In Conversation: Part II
Sep 19, 2025
In this engaging conversation, author Allen Levi shares insights about his novel, Theo of Golden. A lawyer turned writer, Levi discusses the book's origins, inspired by coffee-shop portraits and his research in Portugal. He explores the themes of kindness, drawing from personal experiences, including a courtroom scene from his time as a judge. Levi also reflects on the influences behind his writing and the importance of little acts of kindness. His contemplations on heaven spark a deep discussion about living meaningfully in the present.
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Portraits Sparked A Novel
- Allen Levi bought portraits from a coffee shop and used them to imagine characters, which started his novel as an experiment.
- He wrote in fits and starts, then friends encouraged him to finish and publish Theo of Golden.
Names Carry Tone And Meaning
- Levi chose Golden for tone and meaning: it signals warmth, accessibility, and links to Douro (Portugal).
- Names can carry double meanings that shape setting and mood in fiction.
A Name Signals Character
- The name Theo signals a godly character and theological resonance without preaching.
- Small etymological choices can guide reader expectations about a protagonist's moral stance.