The Changeling: A Novel

The Changeling (2017) is a fantasy/horror novel by American author Victor LaValle. LaValle was inspired to begin writing the book after he became a father. Using the genre approaches that have characterized much of his work, he wanted the book to show the ways that raising a child in the modern age can be both a joyful and terrifying experience. The novel received multiple awards after publication, including the 2017 Dragon Award in the Horror Novel category, the 2018 Locus Award for Best Horror Novel, and the 2018 World Fantasy Award. In 2023, it was adapted into a streaming series for Apple TV+.

The Changeling centers around Apollo Kagwa and Emma Valentine, two new parents whose lives are upended when Emma begins to suspect that her son, Brian, is not what he appears to be. As a result, Apollo embarks on a journey through a magical world that exists on the periphery of New York City.

This study guide refers to the Trade Paperback Edition of the novel, published by One World in 2018.

Content Warning: The source material for this study guide includes depictions of domestic violence, child abuse, and the death of a child.