Searching for Intruders: A Novel in Stories

by Stephen Raleigh Byler

A dramatic debut novel of hunting, fishing, love, loss, and relationships traces the evolving self-awareness and experiences of Wilson Hues, an unfortunate drifter who finds himself obsessed with the consequences of his own action, and in some cases, inaction.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Kate Oberdorfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm biased.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Searching for Intruders" is definitely not for everyone. But when I came upon this book in a small, locally owned Pennsylvanian bookstore and read a page I had randomly opened it to, I knew that Byler had written this book for me. The experiences of Wilson Hues (the character narrating the vignettes within the book) are so real that, for me at least, "Searching for Intruders" became non-fiction. And in a way, it is. Wilson's suffering, his embarrassment, his happiness; all of his emotions are really such normal and human ones, yet these seemingly superficial sentiments are so much more significant to the human experience and Byler reminds us of this. Wilson's confusion and frustration with the opposite gender are not just his own, but mine and yours and the person sitting next to you. The consequences of his actions haunt him, while the ghosts of everything he did not do are just as persistent. Like I said, "Searching for Intruders" is really not for everyone. One may find it uninteresting, slow or even painfully meaningless. For me, however, "Searching for Intruders" is deeply moving. I sympathize with Wilson Hues, I understand him, I pity him, I love him because I know him: he is me, anxious and afraid in a world full of people who seem to have it all together. For anyone looking for a read that is short but leaves a lasting impression on your brain and your heart, this book is for you.

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember liking this book...but honestly did not remember what it was about until Joe Hansen's review:

Byler's novel told in 11 chapters of varying lengths covers a series of moments in the life of character Wilson Hues. The shortest chapters are like snapshots of his childhood eclipsed by abuse from his father. The longer chapters center on Hues' adult life, as he goes from job to job, different homes, and shaky relationships. It's amazing how the author combines humor with the tragic element of these stories. These significant moments in the life of Wilson all added up to a vivid and complete pattern that all comes together quite nicely by the end of this story.

Seems a lot like Augusten Burroughs Running with Scissors, memoirs of abuse, struggle to find yourself and search for something more. Again, in 2002 I was 14 and doing exactly that

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

[Thomas Riess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these short stories in the spirit of Raymond Carver. Emotional journeys to places we've all been to.