The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

     The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, is a book of a young boy's sudden plunge into reality.  He is challenged by emotional trauma and the reader is confronted by a child's innocent depression and result of post traumatic stress.
     The love of his life; the woman who gave him meaning dies a tragic death.  And, the trauma has a ripple effect throughout Theo's life.  In his opinion, he has no father, and he is all alone in the world.  On the way to foster care, Theo is "saved" by a wealthy family and he makes relationships that, in some respects, soothe his wounds, but also they create longings that are not necessarily achievable.
     As Theo story continues, the sadness in his soul reflects in a controlled desperation that drives his human connections.  He is "adopted" by a someone eccentric antique furniture artist.  He gives his heart in secret to a young woman who has ideas of her own.  Over time, he encounters his father and makes attempts at a new family.
     Crime and drugs enter his story as he struggles to stay safe; his honesty is challenged.  Along the way he plays with the idea of marriage.  He wants to create family.  As his story culminates, Theo experiences many human challenges; he experiences highs and lows; and he reaches out for understanding.