Theo of Golden - Self-righteousness, Authenticity and Southern Christianity
Reading Theo of Golden felt like growing up in a southern church all over again.
As I was reading I felt myself annoyed and suspicious. I then felt guilty for feeling this way because so much good was happening in the book and it was recommended by my Mema. Am I just a killjoy?
I fully tried so hard to be in it and enjoy it and commit to this experience. I felt like I really needed to give this story and character a chance. I felt guilty I was against such a “good” and “happy” story. Sometimes I can even get into those hallmark stories when I try.
Then I reluctantly finished this book and sat here wondering why a part of me is still loathing it. The “twist” in the end that I thought added at least some interest was Theo’s son. Is that small portion enough intrigue and addition of depth to Theo’s character enough to redeem the entire book?
NO. I don’t think so and I feel gaslit into feeling like I need to like this book!! I also am here to get some insight, as I may just be overthinking the entire thing but I am going to say why I think this book is awful.
It feels so me as though a self-righteous person wrote a character who is how they would view themselves, or at least who they wish they were but secretly know they are not. This thought also stands out to me because of the religious tones in the book.
Theo felt to me like another southern church going community leader that I felt like I needed to follow and like because of social pressure. The only difference is the author can decide to write away any character “flaws” that these people or any normal human carry with them every single day.
This is not only an issue to me with this book but a lot of southern church communities as a whole. It is difficult to be authentic and to feel good about yourself you need to convince yourself you are “virtuous.”
Theo himself even hid so much of himself throughout the whole book on the account of being “humble.” Give me a break.
You can be loving and live authentically and make mistakes in life and receive love. I think good books portray that!
P.S. Dont even get me started on the disdain I have with characters that have inexhaustible wealth. I’m looking at you “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” by Otessa Moshfegh