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A Wasp at a Funeral
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 The Gold Coast
“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 As she looks closer, she notices its color, its shape, its shell … it’s not a bee, it’s—the end of an outdated era.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.
“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.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
5 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 16, 2022
A sharp, somber account of how the most idealistic of lives hold dark truths and resentments beneath the surface. Told from multiple points of view, we see how each person is so sure that their version of events is the truth, how their pain is the most important, how it is easier to push aside blame and accountability for what could have been; to cling to the things that were “working,” instead of seeing the warning signs of a life in turmoil. Sarcastic, conversational, and existential, A Wasp at a Funeral is a debut that shows the devastating power of perception and privilege.
April 12, 2023
The book takes place at the funeral of Westbrooke Dodge Ellison IX, a young man, who was about to go to college. We never get to know how Brookes died, but that's not the point.
There are four narrators: his mother, father, step father and the deceased himself (!) and are considering what they would each say as a eulogy. A wasp comes to distract them from their too-good-to-be-true dynasty image.
You see, the Ellisons were an old American aristocratic family that lived at the North Shore of Long Island and Brookes, as they called him, grew up in a wealthy bubble made for him. No one could expect such an end to this blue blooded lineage.
The book is written with humour and witt. What's interesting is that we never get to know how Brookes died, but that's not the point. I found really smart that the deceased at his eulogy addresses the reader, apart from his funeral attendants.
I loved it and want to read more by this author.
There are four narrators: his mother, father, step father and the deceased himself (!) and are considering what they would each say as a eulogy. A wasp comes to distract them from their too-good-to-be-true dynasty image.
You see, the Ellisons were an old American aristocratic family that lived at the North Shore of Long Island and Brookes, as they called him, grew up in a wealthy bubble made for him. No one could expect such an end to this blue blooded lineage.
The book is written with humour and witt. What's interesting is that we never get to know how Brookes died, but that's not the point. I found really smart that the deceased at his eulogy addresses the reader, apart from his funeral attendants.
I loved it and want to read more by this author.
February 2, 2023
This was a beautiful and mesmerizing novella of 4 different “eulogies” including the deceased himself which revealing the painful and sobering truths that each family member bears based on their own perspective in how they led their lives and contributed to the events that led to being at a funeral. It shows the painful realization that privilege is not always comfortable. I love the way this was written, and while it goes back and forth in time, it is done in such a eloquent way it leaves you wanting more. If you are looking for a quick read that is out of the box, I highly recommend this one.
December 29, 2022
Thank You for this amazing gift! I enjoyed this book so much!
A Wasp at a Funeral was a delightful and witty tale I am glad to have encountered. This tragedy opens up every family members closed chapters. The books last part was a twist that gave the ending I didn’t know I desired.
Congrats on a successful book! I’m glad to share this delightful discovery.
A Wasp at a Funeral was a delightful and witty tale I am glad to have encountered. This tragedy opens up every family members closed chapters. The books last part was a twist that gave the ending I didn’t know I desired.
Congrats on a successful book! I’m glad to share this delightful discovery.
December 25, 2022
A Wasp at a Funeral by Shelby Renjifo
4⭐️
———
A thought provoking novella that discusses the topic of death and whether we really know the people around us. How we each see every scenario differently and get caught up in our own lives we miss the important things in the ones we ‘love’. A multiple POV, it was gripping and I didn’t want to put this one down.
Thankful to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
4⭐️
———
A thought provoking novella that discusses the topic of death and whether we really know the people around us. How we each see every scenario differently and get caught up in our own lives we miss the important things in the ones we ‘love’. A multiple POV, it was gripping and I didn’t want to put this one down.
Thankful to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2024
Shelby Renjifo has turned me into a novella reader…
A WASP AT A FUNERAL is set… imagine… at a funeral… of the young Westbrook “Brookes” Ellison IX. Broken into four parts you get the perspective from his Mom, Step Dad, Father and finishing up with his own.
This book unfolded with deep memories, insights and regrets from each character. Each part you get just enough info to gather who/why this character is here. The story felt very complete and left a great impression on me. I found Shelby’s humor and writing style truly captivating.
Moments I paused…
“People think matching tattoos are bad, try laser removing your human puzzle piece.”
“…time doesn't stop for your children. They catch a glimpse of your madness and never forgive you or they become you.”
“It felt like a scene from a movie: young, semi-attractive sleazeball saves out-of-his-league, distraught damsel. That's some Happy Madison Production gold right there.”
I’m excited to one day revisit this gem and happy Shelby is now on my author radar!
Thank you Shelby 📖
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
A WASP AT A FUNERAL is set… imagine… at a funeral… of the young Westbrook “Brookes” Ellison IX. Broken into four parts you get the perspective from his Mom, Step Dad, Father and finishing up with his own.
This book unfolded with deep memories, insights and regrets from each character. Each part you get just enough info to gather who/why this character is here. The story felt very complete and left a great impression on me. I found Shelby’s humor and writing style truly captivating.
Moments I paused…
“People think matching tattoos are bad, try laser removing your human puzzle piece.”
“…time doesn't stop for your children. They catch a glimpse of your madness and never forgive you or they become you.”
“It felt like a scene from a movie: young, semi-attractive sleazeball saves out-of-his-league, distraught damsel. That's some Happy Madison Production gold right there.”
I’m excited to one day revisit this gem and happy Shelby is now on my author radar!
Thank you Shelby 📖
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
January 26, 2023
Thank you @shelbyrenjifo for gifting me a copy of your book in exchange for an honest review!
What would you say at your loved one's funeral-or even your own for that matter?
A Wasp at a Funeral is an intriguing novella that reveals authentic thoughts and words at the funeral of Westbrook "Brookes" Ellison IX.
The book unfolds four perceptions on Brookes's short life from his mom, dad, step-dad, and himself, based on their own intimate-often skewed-anecdotes at his funeral.
The entire concept of the story was so unique! The book touches upon the underlying theme of privilege, and how one still struggles to cope in a world practically made for them-until it's too late.
Shelby's writing is definitely captivating, as she is dryly humorous, sarcastic, witty, and ultimately REALISTIC!
However, sometimes I was confused while reading as each perspective bounced between thoughts, stories, and present reality without indication. It was unclear when the character was speaking directly to me, or if I was just simply reading the character’s thoughts during the funeral.
Overall, I'd be interested in reading another novella by Shelby, as her debut novella’s premise and characters are truly fascinating !
What would you say at your loved one's funeral-or even your own for that matter?
A Wasp at a Funeral is an intriguing novella that reveals authentic thoughts and words at the funeral of Westbrook "Brookes" Ellison IX.
The book unfolds four perceptions on Brookes's short life from his mom, dad, step-dad, and himself, based on their own intimate-often skewed-anecdotes at his funeral.
The entire concept of the story was so unique! The book touches upon the underlying theme of privilege, and how one still struggles to cope in a world practically made for them-until it's too late.
Shelby's writing is definitely captivating, as she is dryly humorous, sarcastic, witty, and ultimately REALISTIC!
However, sometimes I was confused while reading as each perspective bounced between thoughts, stories, and present reality without indication. It was unclear when the character was speaking directly to me, or if I was just simply reading the character’s thoughts during the funeral.
Overall, I'd be interested in reading another novella by Shelby, as her debut novella’s premise and characters are truly fascinating !
March 8, 2023
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. Shelby elegantly obfuscates the fact and fiction, truth and lies to draw the reader into the story deeper and deeper while toying with sentiment and emotion at a black celebration you won't soon forget... I highly recommend this book and know this is the first of many great works to come by this author.
-Kyle C. Fitzharris
Best-selling author of The Eighth Plague, The New Americans, & Skip Shot
-Kyle C. Fitzharris
Best-selling author of The Eighth Plague, The New Americans, & Skip Shot
February 11, 2025
A Wasp at a Funeral is an ode to grief. Shelby did an amazing job at capturing the subtle details of a funeral, as well as the secrets a family can hold. Such a quick and fantastic read.
January 17, 2023
Thank you for sending a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars but I rated up for creativity.
I haven’t read many novellas, so getting around the quick start to finish storyline is interesting.
I appreciated the introspective look into what we all think about at funerals: what would we say if we’re asked to speak, fond memories we wish we could relive and bad memories we wish we could redo. I also enjoyed that each chapter focused on individual perspectives of similar moments in time, so we could see events from every angle. The concept felt unique and different from a lot of books I’ve read. My favorite chapter and perspective was Brookes, as he looks on to what he would say at his own funeral.
My complaints are more stylistic. There were no breaks or indication when the narrator was jumping from different timelines. I found not having some type of break aside from a new paragraph confusing and had to jump back a few times. I also wanted a little more understanding of why the parents split. It seems like that was a focus behind the scenes of the characters and during the flashbacks they were together and then they weren’t. That left me curious as to what happened.
There also were a bunch of typos found, which for a short book felt like those should have been caught. But otherwise I enjoyed this book, I would likely hand this off and recommend it and I would be interested to see more work from this author in the future!
3.5 stars but I rated up for creativity.
I haven’t read many novellas, so getting around the quick start to finish storyline is interesting.
I appreciated the introspective look into what we all think about at funerals: what would we say if we’re asked to speak, fond memories we wish we could relive and bad memories we wish we could redo. I also enjoyed that each chapter focused on individual perspectives of similar moments in time, so we could see events from every angle. The concept felt unique and different from a lot of books I’ve read. My favorite chapter and perspective was Brookes, as he looks on to what he would say at his own funeral.
My complaints are more stylistic. There were no breaks or indication when the narrator was jumping from different timelines. I found not having some type of break aside from a new paragraph confusing and had to jump back a few times. I also wanted a little more understanding of why the parents split. It seems like that was a focus behind the scenes of the characters and during the flashbacks they were together and then they weren’t. That left me curious as to what happened.
There also were a bunch of typos found, which for a short book felt like those should have been caught. But otherwise I enjoyed this book, I would likely hand this off and recommend it and I would be interested to see more work from this author in the future!
January 23, 2023
Thank you @shelbyrenjifo for a copy of your book for an honest review!
𝙰 𝚆𝚊𝚜𝚙 𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝙵𝚞𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕 is a gripping novella that explores the idea of what loved ones would say at the funeral of Westbrook “Brookes” Ellison IX.
From four different POV‘s (his mom, dad, step-dad, and himself) each chapter ushers us in to a new perspective about Brooks and his privileged lifestyle. This book was a slow unraveling of his character, as well as his life up to the point of his death.
I found Shelby‘s writing to be captivating, dryly humorous (I LOVE dry-humor and sarcasm!) and was fast-paced, bouncing between thoughts, stories, and present reality. I was unable to pick it up and only read for a short time. When I read it, I wanted to immerse myself in the pages, finding out more details about what led them to their personal thoughts and feelings about their involvement, as well as their regrets, stories, love and heartbreak.
We’ll done, Shelby! You should be very proud of this work!
𝙰 𝚆𝚊𝚜𝚙 𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝙵𝚞𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕 is a gripping novella that explores the idea of what loved ones would say at the funeral of Westbrook “Brookes” Ellison IX.
From four different POV‘s (his mom, dad, step-dad, and himself) each chapter ushers us in to a new perspective about Brooks and his privileged lifestyle. This book was a slow unraveling of his character, as well as his life up to the point of his death.
I found Shelby‘s writing to be captivating, dryly humorous (I LOVE dry-humor and sarcasm!) and was fast-paced, bouncing between thoughts, stories, and present reality. I was unable to pick it up and only read for a short time. When I read it, I wanted to immerse myself in the pages, finding out more details about what led them to their personal thoughts and feelings about their involvement, as well as their regrets, stories, love and heartbreak.
We’ll done, Shelby! You should be very proud of this work!
January 13, 2023
Although told by many points of view, I haven't found it disturbing. The writing style and the plot keeps you glued to the end. Great debut.
January 8, 2023
This novella follows 4 narrators and their proposed eulogies
Explores privilege and how people deal with death differently
A great examination of the perception of life and the emotions that go into it.
Definitely different than anything I’ve read recently! Read for a change in perspective, refreshing look at friendship, privilege and how those qualities are brought out when someone dies.
Explores privilege and how people deal with death differently
A great examination of the perception of life and the emotions that go into it.
Definitely different than anything I’ve read recently! Read for a change in perspective, refreshing look at friendship, privilege and how those qualities are brought out when someone dies.
November 7, 2023
This book has a special place for me...| am absolutely IN LOVE with the cover for one! I loved this story and the writing style! I'm not a book collector but this one has had a permanent spot in my bedroom on the book stand my husband made me!
January 17, 2023
Ｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 by Shelby Renjifo
Published: Indie release — already published
Reviewed by: Mel
Format: Hardcover
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ✨ / 5
Thank you to the author, @shelbyrenjifo for sending us both a copy of her novella in exchange for an honest review. I certainly commend any indie author that pursues self-publishing and distribution, what an amazing accomplishment to achieve solo.
With that being said, I was disappointed to see typos and editing misses — for such a short novella, it should have been gone over with a fine-tooth comb before printing.
While I enjoyed the alternating perspectives and various anecdotes that take the reader back in time, I was extremely confused by the overall perspective of the novella — are the characters speaking directly to the reader? Or are we simply voyeurs into their thoughts during the funeral? When two specific characters, Joel and Brookes, both speak directly to the reader — the below quotes, it threw me off and I no longer had any idea.
“Remember that platinum blonde I mentioned earlier?”
“Even to you, dear reader”
“I scared you there, didn’t I?”
Renjifo did an excellent job of sharing anecdotes and backstory that developed each of the characters and added immense depth to the novella — and her prose was captivating and poignant. There were times when the timeline of the anecdotes would get a bit fluid, so it would have helped to have some sort of delineation between time periods — but I can also see that the haziness of the fluid timelines and stories melding into one another is the type of mental chaos a person goes through during grief, during a funeral.
I appreciated the length of the novella and felt it was appropriate for the content and thought it was a good, quick read. I’d be interested in seeing Renjifo’s character and plot development for something longer, in the future.
𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 by Shelby Renjifo
Published: Indie release — already published
Reviewed by: Mel
Format: Hardcover
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ✨ / 5
Thank you to the author, @shelbyrenjifo for sending us both a copy of her novella in exchange for an honest review. I certainly commend any indie author that pursues self-publishing and distribution, what an amazing accomplishment to achieve solo.
With that being said, I was disappointed to see typos and editing misses — for such a short novella, it should have been gone over with a fine-tooth comb before printing.
While I enjoyed the alternating perspectives and various anecdotes that take the reader back in time, I was extremely confused by the overall perspective of the novella — are the characters speaking directly to the reader? Or are we simply voyeurs into their thoughts during the funeral? When two specific characters, Joel and Brookes, both speak directly to the reader — the below quotes, it threw me off and I no longer had any idea.
“Remember that platinum blonde I mentioned earlier?”
“Even to you, dear reader”
“I scared you there, didn’t I?”
Renjifo did an excellent job of sharing anecdotes and backstory that developed each of the characters and added immense depth to the novella — and her prose was captivating and poignant. There were times when the timeline of the anecdotes would get a bit fluid, so it would have helped to have some sort of delineation between time periods — but I can also see that the haziness of the fluid timelines and stories melding into one another is the type of mental chaos a person goes through during grief, during a funeral.
I appreciated the length of the novella and felt it was appropriate for the content and thought it was a good, quick read. I’d be interested in seeing Renjifo’s character and plot development for something longer, in the future.
February 17, 2023
🐝 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🐝
⠀
𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙗𝙮 𝙍𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙞𝙛𝙤
⠀
Thank you Shelby for the gorgeous signed copy gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
⠀
Coming in at just 90 pages this was a quick little read. The novella is broken up into 4 sections. Each from the point of view of a different person attending the funeral of a young man, Wesbrooke “Brookes” Ellison IX.
⠀
“ 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…” 𝙴𝚕𝚒𝚣𝚊𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚑, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚖, 𝚆𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚍, 𝙹𝚘𝚎𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚙 𝚍𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏. “ 𝙴𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚜 𝚊 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚜’ 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚗 𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚜’𝚜 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎—𝚘𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚔𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚍—𝚊𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚍𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚞𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕”
⠀
The author did a good job of telling the story of Brookes’ short life and the family dynamics of his “sheltered aristocratic bubble on the North Shore of Long Island.” It was a good story. Where it lost me a little was I think it tried to give too much information in a short amount of time. Thoughts seemed to jump from one scenario to the next in the same paragraph which lost me and took me out of the story quite a bit. I also may not have connected to the privileged lifestyle of the characters. Perhaps if this was a full length novel it would have allowed for a little more development of the characters and time/length to separate some ideas and flesh out the timelines some more.
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Overall the concept was unique which I enjoy. It may not have been exactly what I was expecting but it was entertaining and I finished it in two sittings.
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4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙗𝙮 𝙍𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙞𝙛𝙤
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Thank you Shelby for the gorgeous signed copy gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
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Coming in at just 90 pages this was a quick little read. The novella is broken up into 4 sections. Each from the point of view of a different person attending the funeral of a young man, Wesbrooke “Brookes” Ellison IX.
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“ 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…” 𝙴𝚕𝚒𝚣𝚊𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚑, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚖, 𝚆𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚍, 𝙹𝚘𝚎𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚙 𝚍𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏. “ 𝙴𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚜 𝚊 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚜’ 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚗 𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚜’𝚜 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎—𝚘𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚔𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚍—𝚊𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚍𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚞𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕”
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The author did a good job of telling the story of Brookes’ short life and the family dynamics of his “sheltered aristocratic bubble on the North Shore of Long Island.” It was a good story. Where it lost me a little was I think it tried to give too much information in a short amount of time. Thoughts seemed to jump from one scenario to the next in the same paragraph which lost me and took me out of the story quite a bit. I also may not have connected to the privileged lifestyle of the characters. Perhaps if this was a full length novel it would have allowed for a little more development of the characters and time/length to separate some ideas and flesh out the timelines some more.
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Overall the concept was unique which I enjoy. It may not have been exactly what I was expecting but it was entertaining and I finished it in two sittings.
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4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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January 27, 2026
@shelby Renjifo
"I just finished 'A WASP at a Funeral' and I'm honestly blown away. It's easily one of the best books I've picked up in a long time. What struck me most was how Shelby Renjifo handles the story. She has this incredible way of making you feel like you are right there in the room with the characters. Her writing is so sharp and observant—she captures those tiny, awkward human moments that most authors miss.
Shelby Renjifo is definitely a writer to watch. She has a unique voice that is both sophisticated and totally relatable. If you're looking for a book that is smart, funny, and deeply moving all at once, you need to read this one!" 💖💫🙌
"I just finished 'A WASP at a Funeral' and I'm honestly blown away. It's easily one of the best books I've picked up in a long time. What struck me most was how Shelby Renjifo handles the story. She has this incredible way of making you feel like you are right there in the room with the characters. Her writing is so sharp and observant—she captures those tiny, awkward human moments that most authors miss.
Shelby Renjifo is definitely a writer to watch. She has a unique voice that is both sophisticated and totally relatable. If you're looking for a book that is smart, funny, and deeply moving all at once, you need to read this one!" 💖💫🙌
March 19, 2023
Creative idea to write about what you and others would say at your own funeral.
I liked the idea of music playing a role in the story. The songs selected fit in well.
To me, there was some confusion about the timelines in the individual accounts that were distracting.
A good debut novella!
I liked the idea of music playing a role in the story. The songs selected fit in well.
To me, there was some confusion about the timelines in the individual accounts that were distracting.
A good debut novella!
May 30, 2023
This was very interesting and different. It was well written, but I’m honestly not really sure exactly what was going on and what I was reading lol
So was the dead kid reincarnated as the wasp?! I have no clue. And how did he die?! Who knows lol
So was the dead kid reincarnated as the wasp?! I have no clue. And how did he die?! Who knows lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2023
Not a story for me. It may have some meaning that is beyond my simple mind since some reviews are quite positive. I’ve missed it if so.
January 9, 2026
Such a unique and compelling story! I was hooked from the very first page. I felt genuinely connected to each character and was engaged with the layered, complicated family dynamics. Highly recommend!
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