"Shelby Renjifo's novella is nothing short of amazing. A ground-breaking work of fiction that pulls you into a Gatsby-esque world of privilege and comfort where everything is not as it seems. Shelby Renjifo's writing is elegant and engaging, and the story is haunting and heart-breaking." - Nelson DeMille, bestselling author of The Gold Coast
"I am absolutely blown away by this young writer's debut! It is nothing short of a literary masterpiece."
-Gia Walsh, producer of
Zola
"Shelby Renjifo's well-crafted novella is written in a classical first-person voice that illustrates the best (and worst) power and privilege can bring as it shines a light on the upper crust of American society."
- Kyle C. Fitzharris, bestselling author of
The Eighth Plague
"I could stand at the podium and say that Wesbrooke-my son-was a fine young man. I'd pause, look around, shed a tear. I could stand at the podium and say that my son-whom we called Brookes-was a fighter. He fought the good fight that is this cruel unrelenting life filled with endless temptations-ugh, that may be a bit much. I could stand at the podium and say that my baby-Wesbrooke-with the sun in his eyes and the future waving proudly, brought only honor to his family with his diligence, lion-hearted nature, and beaming charisma. I could say all of this." What would you say at your loved one's funeral-or even your own for that matter? Would you cry ... laugh ... break ... or speak? Four narrators lead four very different chapters-and proposed eulogies-in this fictional novella,
A Wasp at a Funeral
. Wesbrooke "Brookes" Ellison IX grew up in a sheltered aristocratic bubble on the North Shore of Long Island. The last of his name, and the epitome of American white male privilege, Brookes struggles to cope in a world practically made for him-until it's too late. Elizabeth, Brookes's grieving mother, though victimized-martyr, becomes distracted by an incessant buzzing noise. However, she can't see it, she can only hear it-until she spots the culprit atop her son's portrait. As she looks closer, she notices its color, its shape, its shell ... it's not a bee, it's-the end of an outdated era. Brookes's father, Wes, a California lovechild raised to fulfill his blue-blooded lineage, reflects on how his dysfunctional upbringing brought on the rise and fall of its final heir. Brookes's stepfather, Joel, a sleazy talent agent, plays the tangible role of
The Good Husband
better than any of his star-studded clients. However, he could never quite win over Brookes, and uses humor to deflect a curious sense of guilt surrounding his stepson's death. Brookes, led by his heart, ruled by his ego, pontificates on his early, tragic fate-all wrapped up in a neat, existential bow. Each chapter unfolds a new narrators' perception on Brookes's short life based on their own intimate-often skewed-anecdotes at his funeral. Don't act like you've never thought about it before-how would you present on that podium? If you cry, don't forget how to laugh; if you laugh, do let yourself cry. When you break, rise and speak; and when you speak, find your peace.