People asked me if I had read “Theo of Golden” yet. They were curious about my opinion because, mostly deservedly, I am understood to avoid sentimentality, gooeyness, simpler optimistic narratives. It is true, my tastes run to “Death of a Salesman,” “The Sun Also Rises,” “Herzog.” Serious stuff, problem novels, and satire. But I have now read “Theo” and can respond to it. The story is gracefully told, smooth, an easy, even compelling read.