The Changeling by Victor LaValle intertwines horror, folklore, and social commentary in a compelling narrative centered on new parenthood and loss. Positively reviewed for its imaginative plot and rich character development, the book occasionally drew critiques for its pacing. LaValle's prose and thematic depth received broad acclaim, making it a poignant yet thrilling read.

A reader who enjoys The Changeling by Victor Lavalle likely appreciates dark, contemporary fairy tales with a blend of horror and social commentary. Fans of Neil Gaiman's American Gods and Stephen King's The Outsider will find Lavalle's intricate storytelling and exploration of modern mythology captivating.

The Changeling by Victor LaValle follows Apollo Kagwa and Emma Valentine, whose lives are abruptly altered when Emma begins to suspect their baby, Brian, is not truly human. Driven by this fear, Emma takes drastic actions, forcing Apollo on a harrowing journey through a magical realm adjacent to New York City as he seeks the truth about his son. The novel includes depictions of domestic violence, child abuse, child death, and themes of suicide and racism.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Emotional / Unnerving

- The Changeling by Victor LaValle won the 2018 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, recognizing its unique blend of contemporary fantasy and horror.
- The story incorporates elements of folklore and fairy tales, drawing inspiration from Scandinavian myths about changelings, which adds a layer of depth to its narrative.
- Author Victor LaValle's work in The Changeling explores themes of fatherhood, race, and identity, which are common threads throughout his literary career.

**Apollo Kagwa**  
A dedicated father and used book dealer with a deep passion for literature, whose experiences with love and familial bonds drive much of the story's events.

**Emma Valentine**  
Apollo Kagwa's romantic partner who shares his love for books and adventure; her mysterious past and aspirations shape her actions throughout the narrative.

**Kinder Garten/William Wheeler**  
The story's antagonist, known for his manipulation and digital prowess, who poses a significant threat to Apollo and Emma's family.

Victor Lavalle

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Novel

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Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Changeling reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Changeling | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Changeling and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Changeling Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Changeling Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “First Comes Love” - Part 3: “Then Comes a Baby in a Baby Carriage”

Part 1-Part 3, Chapter 20

The Changeling Part 1-Part 3, Chapter 20 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Then Comes a Baby in a Baby Carriage” - Part 4: “Shit, Damn, Motherfucker”

Part 3, Chapter 21-Part 4

The Changeling Part 3, Chapter 21-Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Wise Ones”

Part 5, Chapters 42-62

The Changeling Part 5, Chapters 42-62 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Wise Ones” - Part 7: Kindergarten

Part 5, Chapter 63-Part 7, Chapter 82

The Changeling Part 5, Chapter 63-Part 7, Chapter 82 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: Kindergarten - Part 8: “The Wildness”

Part 7, Chapter 83-Part 8

The Changeling Part 7, Chapter 83-Part 8 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Changeling Character Analysis

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Themes

The Changeling Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Changeling Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Changeling Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Changeling Essay Topics

The Changeling: A Novel

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Changeling?

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Book Details