Victor Lavalle’s “The Changeling” is a captivating novel that has made its mark in the literary world, evoking a myriad of emotions in its readers. This masterpiece, now turned TV series, has opened a whole new dimension for exploration. Here, we offer an in-depth book summary, a comprehensive TV series summary, and a critical analysis of the differences between the two.
Book Summary: The Changeling
“The Changeling” unfolds the story of Apollo Kagwa, a rare book dealer, and his wife, Emma Valentine, living in New York City. The couple welcomes a baby boy into their lives, but their happiness is short-lived as Emma starts exhibiting alarming behavior, culminating in a horrific act that leaves Apollo devastated and alone. Emma disappears, and Apollo embarks on a dark, twisted journey through a mythical New York, desperate to find his wife and understand what happened to his family.
TV Series Summary: The Changeling
Kelly Marcel, known for her work on “Venom” and “Fifty Shades of Grey”, brings LaValle’s novel to the small screen, transforming it into an engaging TV series. The series adheres closely to the plot of the book, with minor modifications to suit the medium. The narrative is visually compelling, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they follow Apollo’s harrowing journey.
Where and When: Setting Timeline
The story, both in the book and the TV series, is set in contemporary New York City. The city is portrayed not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing entity, shaping and being shaped by the characters’ experiences. The timeline spans over a few years, capturing the characters’ lives before and after the birth of their son, and the ensuing drama that unfolds.
Who’s Who: The Cast of Characters
The characters are the lifeblood of “The Changeling”, and their portrayals in the TV series are as engaging as in the book.
- Apollo Kagwa, the protagonist, is a rare book dealer with a passion for old tales and myths. His life takes a dark turn when his wife commits an unthinkable act and disappears.
- Emma Valentine is Apollo’s wife, a librarian. A dramatic change in her behavior after their son’s birth sets the stage for the gritty plot.
- Lillian Kagwa, Apollo’s mother, serves as a source of wisdom and guidance for him. Her past and her experiences as a Ugandan immigrant add depth to the story.
- Patrice, Apollo’s father, is a figure shrouded in mystery. His absence and the reasons behind it are a recurring theme in the narrative.
Guest stars and their roles are yet to be officially announced for the TV series.
Memorable Quotes
“The Changeling” is filled with memorable quotes that resonate with the readers. Here are some that stand out:
- “A bad fairy tale has some simple goddamn moral. A great fairy tale tells the truth.”
- “People who are in trouble often only tell their story when it’s too late.â€
- “To be alive is to be a parent to death.”
These quotes encapsulate the themes of life, death, and the blurred lines between reality and myth that permeate the narrative.
Soundtrack by Dan Deacon
The TV series soundtrack, scored by renowned composer Dan Deacon, beautifully complements the visuals and the storyline. Deacon’s signature style of combining electronic and acoustic elements lends a unique aural texture to the series, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Curiosities about The Changeling
“The Changeling”, both as a book and a TV series, has some intriguing tidbits associated with it:
- The book is a genre-bending mix of horror, fantasy, and social commentary. This unique blend sets it apart from conventional narratives.
- The TV series is Kelly Marcel’s first venture into horror, a departure from her previous works in the romance and superhero genres.
- The title “The Changeling” refers to a creature from folklore, believed to be a fairy child left in place of a human child stolen by the fairies.
Cosplay: Dress like Apollo Kagwa and Lillian Kagwa
If you’re a fan of “The Changeling” and wish to cosplay as Apollo or Lillian Kagwa, here are some tips:
- For Apollo’s look, go for a casual, comfortable outfit. A plain shirt, jeans, and a denim jacket would work well. Accessorize with a messenger bag (for carrying books) and a pair of glasses.
- For Lillian’s look, opt for traditional Ugandan attire such as a ‘gomesi’, a brightly colored floor-length dress. Alternatively, for a modern look, choose a simple dress or a blouse and skirt combination. Add a headscarf to complete the outfit.
Victor LaValle: The Author of “The Changeling”
Victor LaValle, an American author, has carved a niche for himself with his distinctive storytelling style that blends the mundane with the supernatural. His works often explore themes of race, immigration, and mental health. “The Changeling” is one of his most acclaimed novels, earning him several awards and nominations.
Victor LaValle’s 5 Best Works
Apart from “The Changeling”, Victor LaValle has authored several other notable works:
- “The Ballad of Black Tom”: A retelling of H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Horror at Red Hook”, this novella offers a critique of Lovecraft’s notorious racism.
- “Big Machine”: This novel follows a former heroin addict who is recruited by a secret society that investigates the supernatural.
- “The Devil in Silver”: Set in a mental institution, this novel explores the thin line between sanity and insanity.
- “Slapboxing with Jesus”: A collection of short stories that depict the lives of urban dwellers in New York City.
- “Lucretia and the Kroons”: A dark fantasy novella about a young girl’s encounter with her friend’s terrifying family.
Kelly Marcel: The Mastermind Behind the TV Adaptation
Kelly Marcel, an English screenwriter and producer, is known for her successful screen adaptations of popular novels. She has a knack for capturing the essence of a book and translating it onto the screen, as evident in her work on “The Changeling”.
5 Media Adaptations by Kelly Marcel
Apart from “The Changeling”, Kelly Marcel has worked on several other notable media adaptations:
- “Venom”: Marcel co-wrote the screenplay for this superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name.
- “Fifty Shades of Grey”: She adapted E.L. James’s erotic novel into a movie, contributing to its global success.
- “Terra Nova”: This science fiction TV series, co-created by Marcel, features a family from the future who travel back in time to prehistoric Earth.
- “Saving Mr. Banks”: Marcel wrote the screenplay for this biographical drama about the production of the popular film, “Mary Poppins”.
- “Bronson”: She co-wrote this biographical crime film about Britain’s most notorious prisoner, Charles Bronson.
10 Similar Movies, TV Series, and Books to “The Changeling”
If you enjoyed “The Changeling”, you might find these similar movies, TV series, and books equally captivating:
- Movies: “Pan’s Labyrinth”, “The Babadook”, “Get Out”, “Hereditary”, “The Witch”, “Mother!”, “A Tale of Two Sisters”, “Crimson Peak”, “The Others”, and “Don’t Look Now”.
- TV Series: “Stranger Things”, “The Haunting of Hill House”, “American Horror Story”, “Penny Dreadful”, “The X-Files”, “Twin Peaks”, “Bates Motel”, “Hannibal”, “True Detective”, and “The Twilight Zone”.
- Books: “House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski, “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman, “White is for Witching” by Helen Oyeyemi, “The Little Stranger” by Sarah Waters, “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman, “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James, “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson, “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson, “The Woman in Black” by Susan Hill, and “The Terror” by Dan Simmons.
Book Club Questions for “The Changeling”
Here are some thought-provoking questions for book club discussions on “The Changeling”:
- How does Victor LaValle blend elements of the supernatural with the everyday in “The Changeling”?
- How do the characters of Apollo and Emma evolve throughout the story?
- How does the setting of New York City contribute to the narrative?
- How does the book portray themes of race and immigration?
- How does the narrative address the concept of parenthood and its challenges?
- How does the book handle the theme of mental health?
- Explore the significance of the title “The Changeling”.
- What did you think of the ending? Were there any unanswered questions?
- Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
Parent Guide for “The Changeling”
“The Changeling”, both as a book and a TV series, explores mature themes and contains graphic content. Here’s a parent guide to help decide its appropriateness for younger viewers:
- Age Recommendation: “The Changeling” is recommended for readers/viewers aged 18 and above due to its explicit content and mature themes.
- Violence and Fear: The narrative contains intense scenes of violence and fear that may be disturbing for younger readers/viewers.
- Language: The book and the series contain strong language.
- Adult Themes: The story explores mature themes such as mental health, race, and immigration.
Parents should consider their child’s emotional maturity and sensitivity before introducing them to “The Changeling”.
Buying Guide and Gift Ideas
If you’re looking to buy a gift for a fan of “The Changeling”, consider the following options:
- The Book: A copy of “The Changeling” by Victor LaValle is an obvious choice. Consider a hardcover edition for a more durable and collectible option.
- The TV Series: Once available, a box set of the TV series would make a great gift.
- Merchandise: Look for merchandise related to the book or the TV series, such as t-shirts, posters, or mugs.
- Other Works by Victor LaValle or Kelly Marcel: Consider other books by Victor LaValle or DVDs of other films and TV series by Kelly Marcel.
- Book Accessories: Bookmarks, reading lights, or book holders can be useful gifts for book lovers.
Make sure to consider the recipient’s preferences and interests when choosing a gift.
Conclusion
“The Changeling” is a compelling narrative that explores the boundaries of reality and myth, making readers question their perception of the world around them. Whether you choose to delve into the gripping pages of Victor LaValle’s novel or immerse yourself in the visual narrative of Kelly Marcel’s TV adaptation, you’re in for a captivating journey. So, sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and get ready to be transported into the mystical world of “The Changeling”.
