{"product_id":"a-wasp-at-a-funeral-paperback","title":"A Wasp at a Funeral - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eShelby Renjifo\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"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 \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"I am absolutely blown away by this young writer's debut! It is nothing short of a literary masterpiece.\"\u003cbr\u003e-Gia Walsh, producer of \u003ci\u003eZola\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"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.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Kyle C. Fitzharris, bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eThe Eighth Plague\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"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.\" \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhat 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, \u003ci\u003eA Wasp at a Funeral\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWesbrooke \"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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eElizabeth, 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBrookes'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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBrookes's stepfather, Joel, a sleazy talent agent, plays the tangible role of \u003ci\u003eThe Good Husband\u003c\/i\u003e 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBrookes, led by his heart, ruled by his ego, pontificates on his early, tragic fate-all wrapped up in a neat, existential bow. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eEach chapter unfolds a new narrators' perception on Brookes's short life based on their own intimate-often skewed-anecdotes at his funeral. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eDon'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.\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 92\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.19 x 9 x 6 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e December 13, 2022\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42720433700927,"sku":"9798218123581","price":16.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0105\/8226\/1823\/files\/378cc1c8b7309dfaaea96eb6d5b5f693.webp?v=1765089124","url":"https:\/\/dhlswag.com\/products\/a-wasp-at-a-funeral-paperback","provider":"BBB","version":"1.0","type":"link"}