Theo Decker, the narrator, is 13 years old when the story begins with an explosion in an art museum that takes his mother’s life. Amazingly Theo survives and at the request of a dying man walks off with the Goldfinch. The Goldfinch is gripping, haunting and full of twists and turns that make it well worth the time it takes to read. It is by far the best book I have read in a long time. This being said, I recommend finding a comfortable spot to enjoy the ride.