Hamilton, Ga. (WTVM) - Allen Levi, an author, former lawyer, judge, and traveling musician, spoke about his bestselling novel "Theo of Golden" during an interview on “Run The Race.” The conversation took place on his tree farm in Hamilton, where he discussed themes of kindness, his love for nature, and the biblical influence on his writing.
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Levi, who grew up as the son of a forester, finds inspiration in the natural beauty around him, which is reflected in his writing. He emphasized that his faith in God is a guiding force in both his life and literary work, touching on his church upbringing and his journey of faith while at the University of Georgia.
The interview explored the concept of identifying the "Theo in all of us," a recurring theme in the book, which emphasizes how people can embrace kindness. Levi’s inscription, “With Thanks for the Theo in you,” connects to the idea of being loved by God.
With nearly 4 million copies sold in America, "Theo of Golden" has attracted attention in West Georgia and has sparked discussions about a possible film adaptation, including a connection to Tom Hanks. Levi expressed pride in the novel's ability to draw readers and book clubs from across the country to Columbus, Georgia, and to highlight the artwork of his friend Gary Pound, whose illustrations inspired the book.
Looking ahead, Levi mentioned a potential next novel centered on a character named Ellen of Golden, referring to it as both a prequel and sequel. As a singer-songwriter with 20 albums, he also hinted at the possibility of releasing new music in the future.
The interview wrapped up with a discussion on kindness, reflecting the themes of generosity and community present in his book. Levi suggested simple actions that anyone can take to show kindness and concluded with a prayer.