THEO OF GOLDEN BOOK CLUB - WEEK 11 - CHAPTERS 51 - 55
THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi
Closing the book after reading this week's chapters, I find myself with a mix of emotions. Yes. Theo is back, but there is a feeling of foreboding in the air that I can't shake. There is a hint of death inserted into the chapters, and I find myself mourning despite the fact that Theo has returned to Golden and spring is...well, "springing" in all of its beauty.
CHAPTER 51 -
How interesting that Theo slips back into Golden one night. Despite his desire to quietly slide himself back into normal life, people have noticed his absence and genuinely missed him. It's amazing when you think about how one person can change the entire feel of a place with their presence. Theo does that for the whole town of Golden!
Levi gives us a snapshot of how Theo has changed people's lives by showing us what those he is closest to are up to. Wasn't it soul-satisfying to see how Theo's influence is continuing on in these special people's lives? The pursuit of great things, contentment, and creatvity just ooze out of this chapter. The pleasure of seeing this is comparable to a warm, gooey brownie fresh from the oven waiting to be devoured. All feels right with the world.
BUT - there is one thing. Theo delivers a folder of documents to Mr. Ponder. Brain flash! Are these his last wishes- his will?
CHAPTER 52 -
A year has passed. Typically, we would just mark the passage of time as an unimportant realization, but we know that Theo is in Golden for a year. I fear the clock is winding down, and there are a couple of strange topics that arise in this chapter that point in that direction as well.
First, when Theo talks to Tony, he mentions that he "hopes he can remain open for one more week." Is that just teasing back and forth since Tony always says he's on the brink of going out of business, or are we actually looking at something siginificant happening over the next week?
Second, there is the section dedicated to the beauty, yet toxicity and death, of the azaleas. In addition, we have the mention of life being "too short for azaleas in black vases."
Also, Theo thanks Asher for "being so kind to me this past year." There is an air of saying goodbye, of wrapping things up in those words.
CHAPTER 53 -
Ellen's birthday. I have to admit with the hints given throughout these last chapters about things coming to an end, it threw me for a bit of a loop when Theo tore up the card for Ellen and said, "maybe next year."
I love how much he wants to honor and remember people, in this case, Willa. But Ellen is stabilizing for the first time in who knows how long. It's easy to see how Theo would not want to threaten the balance she has found.
CHAPTER 54 - 55
Simone's recital
The tribute to music in this book is fantastic! Have any of you been listening to the pieces mentioned? I plan on pulling up the pieces and listening to them, so I can truly appreciate Simone and his ability.
Overall, Simone is not nervous. He has slight flutters about performing for his friends and loved ones both in the audience and streaming (I'm wondering if Theo has arranged for some other special people to be listening to Simone.), but this cello has literally become an extension of Simone. It's as much a part of him as his arm or leg and as necessary and natural as his heart beating in his chest. What's to be nervous about when it's a physical part of him?
I loved Theo's description of music to Lamisha. As I was reading, I, too, was envisioning all of the notes flying around the room. What a beautiful picture! I look forward to enjoying those images reappearing while listening to the actual musical pieces.
Thoughts? Comments? I'd love to hear them!