"The Goldfinch" is a novel by Donna Tartt that follows the life of Theo Decker, a young boy who survives a terrorist attack at a museum that kills his mother. In the chaos, he steals a famous painting, The Goldfinch, which becomes a symbol of beauty and loss throughout his life. As Theo grows up, he struggles with grief, guilt, and the impact of his actions. The story explores themes of art, trauma, and the search for identity, as Theo navigates relationships with characters like Boris and Hobie, who influence his journey toward understanding and redemption.