Podcast Summary: "Totally Booked with Zibby" Featuring Amy Blum – I’ll Be Right Here: A Novel

Episode Title: Amy Bloom, I’LL BE RIGHT HERE: A Novel
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes acclaimed author Amy Blum to discuss her latest novel, I’ll Be Right Here. With a rich background in both fiction and non-fiction, Amy delves deep into the historical and familial themes that permeate her work.

Guest Introduction

Zibby Owens begins by introducing Amy Blum, highlighting her impressive bibliography which includes four previous novels—White House, Lucky Us, Away, and Love Invents Us—as well as three short story collections. Amy's accolades include being a finalist for the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her work spans various prestigious publications and has been translated into 17 languages.

Discussion on I’ll Be Right Here

Zibby Owens (05:18): "Can you tell everybody what this book is about?"

Amy Blum (05:11):
“I was thinking about it on my way over here. My kids say that I only have four topics... family, love, sex, and death. I feel like that's plenty. I feel like I have covered the waterfront. And that's what the book is about.”

Amy explains that I’ll Be Right Here is a historical novel set in occupied Paris during World War II. The protagonist, Ghazala—a French-born woman of Algerian descent—navigates the complexities of the era, mirroring the struggles of the renowned writer Colette. Amy draws inspiration from Colette’s life, particularly her evolution and her clandestine efforts to protect her Jewish husband from the Nazis.

Notable Quote:

“I wanted to write about what people are willing to share, what people keep closed forever and how that affects the family's life.”
—Amy Blum (08:30)

Themes and Inspirations

Amy delves into the intricate dynamics of family—both biological and chosen—and explores the impact of hidden histories on present relationships. She discusses how I’ll Be Right Here portrays the weaving in and out of family members, emphasizing the strength and complexity of these bonds.

Amy Blum (09:57):
“I wanted to write about the fact that our parents and our grandparents are so mysterious to us that we do not know who they were before we came on the stage.”

Personal Reflections and Writing Process

Zibby shifts the conversation to Amy's memoir, In Love, which chronicles her late husband's battle with Alzheimer's and his decision to end his life with dignity. Amy shares how writing this deeply personal work contrasted with her fiction writing, allowing her to confront and express her vulnerabilities.

Amy Blum (16:06):
“...you cannot hide who you are. I remember when Philip Roth died... you cannot keep who you are from the reader.”

She reflects on the inevitability of the author's persona seeping into their characters, a realization that has influenced her approach to writing fiction post-memoir.

Exploring Anti-Semitism and Historical Context

The conversation intensifies as Zibby brings up the sensitive themes of anti-Semitism and the Holocaust depicted in I’ll Be Right Here. Amy emphasizes the historical accuracy and personal stories that inspired these elements.

Amy Blum (19:36):
“I think what you are writing turns out, unexpectedly, a political stance.”

She recounts the heroic acts of Dutch resistance fighters—teenage girls who stealthily assassinated German soldiers—highlighting the courage of young women during the war. Amy clarifies that while these stories are grounded in history, they are not based on her personal experiences.

Character Relationships and Dynamics

Amy discusses the intricate relationships between the characters in her novel, particularly the bond between Ghazala and her brother Samir, who is not her biological sibling but was brought into the family after his mother’s death. She likens their bond to a Greek myth, underscoring their inseparable connection.

Amy Blum (24:02):
“...they are the center of each other's lives, and it allows them to be a very strong base for others, but they are always at the center for each other.”

Additionally, the inclusion of the Cohen sisters adds a layer of humor and warmth to the narrative, drawing from Amy’s own family dynamics.

Upcoming Projects and Future Works

Before wrapping up, Amy shares exciting news about her forthcoming projects. She mentions her first mystery novel under The Mysterious Press, featuring a disgraced English professor turned private investigator. This new venture signifies her versatility as an author, blending historical fiction with the mystery genre.

Amy Blum (27:12):
“In the murder mystery, I have a disgraced English professor who takes up being a private eye...”

Closing Remarks

Zibby Owens concludes the episode by congratulating Amy and encouraging listeners to engage with her work. She emphasizes the importance of supporting authors and immersing oneself in compelling stories.

Zibby Owens (28:41):
“Amy, thank you so much. Congratulations. Thank you for listening to Totally Booked with Zibby.”

Key Takeaways

• Historical Depth: I’ll Be Right Here offers a nuanced portrayal of occupied Paris, drawing inspiration from real-life figures like Colette and heroic resistance fighters.

• Familial Bonds: The novel explores the complexities of family—both biological and chosen—highlighting how hidden histories shape present relationships.

• Author’s Evolution: Amy Blum’s transition from writing fiction to a deeply personal memoir and back to fiction underscores the inseparability of an author's experiences from their work.

• Upcoming Mystery Genre: Amy’s foray into the mystery genre with a forthcoming novel showcases her narrative versatility and commitment to storytelling.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Amy Blum on Family Mysteries:
  “I do not know who they were before we came on the stage.”
  —Amy Blum (09:57)

• On Writing Authenticity:
  “You cannot hide who you are.”
  —Amy Blum (16:06)

• On Political Stance in Writing:
  “Writing turns out, unexpectedly, a political stance.”
  —Amy Blum (19:36)

• On Sibling Bonds:
  “They are the center of each other's lives.”
  —Amy Blum (24:02)

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of Amy Blum's I’ll Be Right Here, blending historical context with personal narratives. Through insightful discussion, Amy shares her creative process, the thematic depth of her novel, and her journey as a writer navigating both fiction and memoir. Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for the intricate interplay between an author's life experiences and their storytelling.

For More Information:

• Website: zibbymedia.com
• Instagram: @zibbyowens

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