The Changeling: A Novel

Content Warning: The source material for this study guide includes depictions of domestic violence, child abuse, and the death of a child. It also describes instances of parents attempting to kill their children and references death by suicide and racist attitudes.

The Changeling explores the anxieties and responsibilities of modern parenting through the experiences of Apollo Kagwa, whose desire to overcome the trauma of his childhood defines him. Apollo believes that his own father, Brian West, abandoned him; despite this, Apollo still loves his father and grows up craving paternal affection. Apollo believes that if he can be a better father to his son, Brian Kagwa, then Apollo can affirm his reasons for existing in the world. This goal is complicated by Apollo’s ignorance of the fact that Brian West had, in fact, tried to kill him. Further, Apollo is raising his son, Brian Kagwa, in an age where the desire to be a good parent is complicated by social media and the Internet, which can be exploited by malicious forces (represented by Kinder Garten in this novel).

The novel characterizes Apollo’s parenting style as part of an emerging sociocultural phenomenon called “New Dads.” Modern parenting expects fathers to take a more hands-on role as parents, and New Dads are described as being affectionate, proactive, and proud of their fatherhood.