The Changeling by Victor LaValle is a modern-day fairy tale with dark and fantastical elements focusing on the life of Apollo Kagwa, a rare book dealer living in New York City. The story begins with Apollo's journey into fatherhood, welcoming his son, Brian with his wife, Emma. In the early stages of parenthood, Apollo is filled with joy and anticipation, capturing the universal emotions and experiences of new parents. This seemingly idyllic life, however, soon takes a sinister turn.
Emma becomes increasingly distant and her behavior becomes erratic causing Apollo to grow deeply concerned about her mental well-being. The novel's narrative takes a dark twist when one day, Apollo finds a sinister note from Emma which leads him on a frantic search for his wife and the truth behind her transformation. This moment is a significant turning point in the story as it marks the beginning of Apollo's relentless quest to find his wife and uncover the truth behind her vanishing act.
Apollo's search leads him deep into the heart of New York City where he encounters the hidden and surreal aspects of the urban landscape. He encounters a character known as "The Tall Man" a mysterious figure who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding mystery. Apollo's encounters with this enigmatic entity led him to question the boundaries of reality and the influence of storytelling on the human psyche. As the narrative progresses, the line between myth and reality blurs, and Apollo's journey becomes a surreal exploration of the power of stories to shape our lives.
Throughout the novel, LaValle explores the theme of identity and the power of storytelling. Apollo's quest to find Emma becomes a symbolic journey into the heart of his own identity and his ancestral heritage. He uncovers the history of his family and his connection to myths and legends. The author uses these elements to reflect on the impact of stories and how they shape one’s understanding of the world.
