"I'll Be Right Here" | Reviewed by Pat Sainz

Amy Bloom's “I’ll Be Right Here” opens with a page referencing the death of elderly Gazala in 2015, surrounded by the beloved people she calls her family.

The next chapter opens in 1930s Paris, where as a young child, Gazala plays with her adopted brother Samir and her father. Her mother has already died. Gazala's world shifts dramatically after her father dies in 1942, sending her on a path that intertwines with historical events and iconic figures of the era.

The novel takes readers through Gazala’s life, spanning over 65 years in post-World War II America. After her father’s death, Gazala finds work with Colette, the renowned French author of the book “Gigi,” later Gazala becomes involved with prominent figures like jewelry designer Suzanne Belperron.

Samir, who is Gazala’s adopted brother, leaves for Algeria to fight against the Nazis, and historical references to the Nazi occupation of France and the Algerian massacre of 1945 provide important context.

In New York, Gazala establishes herself with the support of Colette and soon builds a new family of friends, including Anne and Alma Cohen, daughters of parents who take Gazala in as one of their own. Together, they become known as the “Greats,” a group of women who serve as models and matriarchs for their growing families. Gazala and Samir also develop a line of department stores, which finance their travels and Gazala’s collection of art, jewelry, and ceramics. 

Bloom weaves the story in nonlinear chapters, revealing the characters’ inner lives through reflections on the past and present. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to spouses, children, and friends of the “Greats,” with each character’s story told through interior monologues and dedicated chapters.

What stands out most about this short (200 pages), multigenerational novel is the author’s powerful reminder that families aren’t always bound by blood. Through the close-knit relationships of Gazala and her friends, Bloom demonstrates the beauty of chosen families—those we create from love, care, and shared experiences.

The novel’s conclusion, in which Gazala’s death mirrors the book’s opening, is poignant. In her final moments, Gazala reflects on the life she’s lived, reconnecting with memories of her parents, those currently in her life, and loving memories with her husband. 

“I’ll Be Right Here” explores themes of family, love, war, resistance, immigration, and anti-Semitism. This beautiful, spare novel is a testament to the resilience of chosen families and the enduring power of love.

Amy Bloom is a novelist, children’s author, and essayist, known for her memoir “In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss,” in which she reflects on the assisted suicide of her husband in Switzerland.

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