Books of Titans Podcast

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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ANECDOTE

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.
INSIGHT

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.
INSIGHT

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.
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