Squirrels in the Wall: A Novel in Stories
stories follow Barney from infancy to death, tracing the epic, ongoing conflict between him and Father--a bumbling tyrant guilty of shocking abuse but also capable of poignant redemption. On this rollicking journey, we meet a suicidal toad, a cat, two mice, a bee, Grandfather's ghost, and a turtle who possesses Barney in a climactic tale of environmental activism gone awry. Other stories reflect the points of view of Barney's mother, sister, and older brother; together, they construct a collage of spectacular family dysfunction--and of healing love.
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2021 American Fiction Awards Finalist in Literary Fiction
mind is BLOWN. Hitz has exposed and bared his soul, poured his guts
out, expounded on every profound question surrounding the mysteries of
life, time, space, eternity, death . . . and offered meaningful
solutions."
--Will Wright, author of The Poetry of Living
"Squirrels in the Wall
is a unique collection of interwoven stories that explore the
interactions between humans and animals in a single habitat. The stories
range from hilarious to poignant. Henry Hitz's sensitive portrayal of
both humans and animals reminds us of the interconnectivity of nature.
The narrative arc of the stories follow a human protagonist and his
family, from infancy to old age, from heartbreak to reconciliation. Hitz
displays a unique creativity with point of view to compose both a
symphony and a cacophony of voices. A rollicking good read."
--Alon Shalev, author of 2013 Eric Hoffer YA Book Award winner At the Walls of Galbrieth
"Henry Hitz laces this riveting, thought-provoking journey, Squirrels in the Wall,
with dollops of juicy humor. Dogs, bees, a fox, humans, turtles, and
other assorted critters--both dead and alive--all ponder, question, and
wonder about that line blurring life and death. 'Life is death's dream?'
Under the masterful hand of Mr. Hitz, we are in for a thoroughly
enjoyable and informative read."
--Francine Thomas Howard, author of two Amazon bestsellers: Page from a Tennessee Journal and The Duke of Union County
"Squirrels in the Wall is a compelling read filled with humor and
pathos . . . as morbid as some of the subject matter sounds, Hitz has
the skill to tell the stories in a moving but humorous way, so they
never seem too heavy."
-- Terry Tierney, author of The Poet's Garage
