“Apollo Kagwa has had strange dreams that have haunted him since childhood. An antiquarian book dealer with a business called Improbabilia, he is just beginning to settle into his new life as a committed and involved father, unlike his own father who abandoned him, when his wife Emma begins acting strange. Disconnected and uninterested in their new baby boy, Emma at first seems to be exhibiting all the signs of post-partum depression, but it quickly becomes clear that her troubles go far beyond that. Before Apollo can do anything to help, Emma commits a horrific act—beyond any parent’s comprehension—and vanishes, seemingly into thin air.

Thus begins Apollo’s odyssey through a world he only thought he understood to find a wife and child who are nothing like he’d imagined. His quest begins when he meets a mysterious stranger who claims to have information about Emma’s whereabouts. Apollo then begins a journey that takes him to a forgotten island in the East River of New York City, a graveyard full of secrets, a forest in Queens where immigrant legends still live, and finally back to a place he thought he had lost forever. This dizzying tale is ultimately a story about family and the unfathomable secrets of the people we love.”

The Changeling was one of those books that I felt was starting off slow. However, there is this moment in the middle where the book completely changes and every page after that is a thrill ride. I have recommended this book to a few people mentioning the twist in the middle is a huge WHAT THE HECK moment, but to not be too disturbed. I felt every turn this book took made it more exciting and as I reflect over the story, there is so much that jumps to mind about why I love this book. Victor LaValle is an amazing writer and someone that you should put on your list to read all the books.

If you are interested in this book, order it from MOBIUS when we are able to go back into the building. Or support your local bookstore with a purchase! From the St. Charles are? Check out Main Street Books.