SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion
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The Changeling
Group Reads Discussions 2018
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"The Changeling" - First Impressions *NO SPOILERS*
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Thank you for starting the thread, I’ve been itching to get to talk to folks about this book. I’m about halfway through and I think Victor LaValle is an exceptional writer. He crafts fluid, sharp, often laugh-out-loud-funny prose that feels totally and appropriately modern. I’m also grateful that I didn’t really know what a changeling is before I started the book. I *thought* that I did, but I was mistaken, and my mistake has allowed me to be totally and wonderfully (wonderfully horribly) surprised by the twists and turns of the plot, which is a welcome and rare experience.
I’m supremely allergic to spoilers so I hadn’t read anything about the plot before I began; I just saw that the book had been shortlisted for several awards. I can totally see why.
I do agree that there should be some trigger warnings. I imagine it might be extra tough for some folks. I’ve certainly found it upsetting. But I don’t mind being upset when the writing is as strong and emotionally grounded as this.
Eager to hear others’ thoughts!
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Sarah wrote: "Thanks for the content warnings Allison. Kinda bummed- I had planned on reading this but now I’m thinking I won’t."I know, I'm sorry! When I finish it, if it ends differently and I can make it safer for you with a brief spoiler, I'll shoot you a message.
I finished the book some days ago - and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. My first impression was absolutely great. The writing immediately dragged me into the story. There was a nagging thought in the back of my mind asking over 3/4 of the book why this was counted as fantasy, but that didn't diminish my eagerness to read.
The slow build up of the story hinted at enough doom to keep me curious. And cause of this slow build up the turning point caught me completely unaware like a sledgehammer in the stomach. Great effect, even though it made me feel nauseated for some minutes.
Brilliant for part of the book … and then the end … I still don't know what I should think about the end. (hope I know till the full spoiler thread comes up)
I'm around 45% right now and definitely enjoying it. There's some expository dialogue that bugs just a bit, but the slow burn, characterization, and sharp insights into contemporary experience are all keeping me fully absorbed. I'm listening to the audio, which LaValle narrates, and he does such a nice job of it.
I didn't know he narrates it himself! The audio is on sale until tomorrow (Audible US).
Allison wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Thanks for the content warnings Allison. Kinda bummed- I had planned on reading this but now I’m thinking I won’t."I know, I'm sorry! When I finish it, if it ends differently and I ..."
I'm in the same boat! I don't mind being spoiled if I get to enjoy a book I would otherwise feel compelled to skip for anxiety issues.
Ariana, I'll add you to my minor spoilers distro list!
Mod
I know, I'm sorry! When I finish it, if it ends differently and I ..."
No worries! I’d rather know now. I’m so overwhelmed with scheduled reads in the next two weeks missing this is okay. But yeah if you want to send the spoilers over later that would be great.
Well this does start slow! Although it's maybe throwing me off a bit because the chapters are so short, so it seems like we should be further along in the plot by Chapter 12. I'm listening to the audio, and the narration is very calm and soothing. I hope that'll help when I get to the creepy parts.
I've started and read first few chapters and I like it so far. I found writing style compelling, short sentences and fast plot refreshing (not sure if complete book is written like this).
I have mostly enjoyed this book but lately things have sort of gone off the rails a bit. Curious to see how it resolves. Edited after Allison’s advice re spoilers.
Hmm...yah, sorry, I think I'd ask that you just remove either the point you've reached or the part about the plot, just to be extremely conservative about spoilers. Thanks, Anthony!
Allison wrote: "Hmm...yah, sorry, I think I'd ask that you just remove either the point you've reached or the part about the plot, just to be extremely conservative about spoilers. Thanks, Anthony!"Happily edited, thanks for the feedback!
As for first impressions goes, this book really reminded me of The Shadow of the Wind, a Spanish fantasy I was fascinated with some 10 years ago. I hope the similarities remain.
I'm also liking it. The fantasy is extremely subtle, as is the horror so far, for me. But it's there. *shiver*
Victoria wrote: "As for first impressions goes, this book really reminded me of The Shadow of the Wind, a Spanish fantasy I was fascinated with some 10 years ago. I hope the similarities remain."So yes! This was my impression as well!
For me the horror is there because I know it's coming. It's a horror book. So at the start even though nothing is happening, I'm expecting it all the time. And well, it *is* there even at the start, but sooo subtly that it would be easy not to notice if you didn't know to look for it.I think this would really benefit reading it with someone irl, or at least talking about it more frequently. There are so many little things that I'd love to speculate about.
Dark, upsetting, horror, folklore you say? Just bought it on Audible cos all of you guys have made me super curious about it now, well done! :D It'll be a while before I can get around to it, though, want to finish some of the, uh, many books I'm currently reading first :)
I finished it on a plane today and I found some of it frustrating but I admire it a lot too...he’s definitely a writer I’m intrigued to follow from here.
Anthony wrote: "I finished it on a plane today and I found some of it frustrating but I admire it a lot too...he’s definitely a writer I’m intrigued to follow from here."I'm looking forward to your thoughts, when the spoiler thread comes up. I am curious if your reason for frustration was the same as mine.
Anna wrote: "For me the horror is there because I know it's coming. It's a horror book. So at the start even though nothing is happening, I'm expecting it all the time. And well, it *is* there even at the start, but sooo subtly that it would be easy not to notice if you didn't know to look for it."I definitely didn't notice at the start - I'm about a quarter of the way through and am somewhat enjoying the slow pace of unveiling.
I had a weird moment today where I was reading while waiting for my train, then the characters went to the train station I was currently at.
Oh man, that's kinda spooky lol
I finished listening to this book several days ago. Loved the narration by the author. Interestingly, I was also reading Shadow of the Wind at the same time. The Changeling I could not put down (stop listening). I finished it in a day and a half. Taking my time with Shadow. Not as compelling for me so far. Read an interview with Lavalle which explains a few things that bothered me about the book.
@Patricia: could you talk about the explained things in the spoiler thread or link the interview? I'd be very interested in this.
Slow to get going, not sure how much longer I can wait. I am also not a fan of authors reading their own books. Too much narrator voice, not enough character voice.
So excited to finally have the book from the library in the same month as the official read. Getting started today. YAY!
Woohoo! I love when the stars align!
Hank wrote: "I am also not a fan of authors reading their own books. Too much narrator voice, not enough character voice."Yup. Totally agree.
I too am audiobook-ing this one. I am about 1/4 of the way through. There is certainly an underlying tension and I am sure bad stuff is coming...........but...........boy, does this seem rather mundane so far.
I'm about 40% throu and about the first quarter of the book it was like some general fiction with a bit of magic realism and not the horror. Then stuff started happening...I like it so far.
Edwin wrote: "Hank wrote: "I am also not a fan of authors reading their own books. Too much narrator voice, not enough character voice."Yup. Totally agree.
I too am audiobook-ing this one. I am about 1/4 of t..."
I am also about a quarter of the way through and doing audio.
I agree with both of you.
1. Boo to author as narrator. He isn't the worst narrator I've experienced, but he doesn't add much to it.
2. I am struggling to maintain interest. The narrative seems needlessly drawn out. I suspect this is exacerbated by the lackluster narration.
It does seem likes something is about to happen, but sheesh. It has been tedious getting here. Hoping the payoff is worth it.
So I’ve *just* started listening to the author’s own reading of The Changeling and wow, I’m already loving his tight, economical writing! This is totally me. Also I’m barely two chapters in and I already got chills down my spine. I agree, it definitely has horror elements.Can’t wait to see if he can keep up this level of thrilling intrigue! Already regretting having plans both tomorrow and Saturday (concert, then Pride), won’t get much reading done, aarg!
Valerie wrote: "It does seem likes something is about to happen, but sheesh. It has been tedious getting here. Hoping the payoff is worth it"No spoilers here, but something BIG did finally just happen.
About 3/4 through. Liking it but not the best book to read before bed. Having creepy dreams.
Haha yes, it does change the mood of the room a bit
When I started it I thought the writing was good, character buildup and description excellent.
My library is so slow: I requested it as soon as the polls were over and they bought it, yay! But now they seem to be cataloguing this book forever. I will eventually get to it, but it might be after August, bugger!
Finally got it in at Library. Quite enjoying it so far. Seems a book for book lovers. I generally enjoy that kind of book. Curious to see what will happen to get it put in our group, though.
Hah, I loved that part too! Reminded me a bit of Murakami’s meta style.
Anna wrote: "For me the horror is there because I know it's coming. It's a horror book. So at the start even though nothing is happening, I'm expecting it all the time. And well, it *is* there even at the start, but sooo subtly that it would be easy not to notice if you didn't know to look for it."A few chapters in, and I am enjoying the writing and the story. I liked it starting in the first chapter, which was packed with detail. So far it could be general fiction, so will keep my eyes peeled for horror that I might not know is there.
What do you think so far? Please, no commentary on the plot points or character growth! The full spoiler thread will be up next week.
CONTENT WARNINGS for those of you who would like some heads up. No commentary on plot, just a list of topics (view spoiler)[spousal abuse, suicide, child abuse, murder/loss of a child, body horror (hide spoiler)]