This novel was self-published in 2023 but is now considered 'a million copy best-selling phenomenon', with sales having been driven by word of mouth. It topped the New York bestseller list and has just been featured on the Oprah podcast. 

The story tells of an elderly man called Theo who has arrived in the small town of Golden. He walks into a coffee shop which is displaying portraits of local people all created by the same artist. Mesmerised by the faces looking down on him, Theo decides he wants to find out more about these people. He buys the portraits one by one and starts giving them to the individuals featured. With each gift he builds a relationship and initiates healing of some sort. 

As the story progresses, we gradually learn more about Theo himself and his motivation for this act of generosity and his desire to inspire and encourage the people he meets.

It's a story of kindness and redemption, generosity and love, friendship and community. It's about recognising the value in each one of us. It's about growing old well and, as Theo quotes Wordsworth, it's about learning to celebrate 'the little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love'. It's a very touching, very beautiful book.

Allen Levi is a former musician and songwriter, attorney and judge, and now an author. Just like Theo, he walked into a coffee shop one day and discovered portraits on the wall, all created by a friend of his. He bought four of them and pondered on the faces, considering the story they might tell. He started writing down his impressions and, when he considered the story done, he gave it to friends to read it and they suggested he publish it. He first engaged his niece to produce and promote the book and, as sales slowly built, he was then approached by the mainstream publishers.

Oprah calls the book a 'balm of good' and it is life-affirming, uplifting and joyous. I loved it!