The River Is Waiting

by Wally Lamb

Corby Ledbetter is struggling. New fatherhood, the loss of his job, and a growing secret addiction have thrown his marriage to his beloved Emily into a tailspin. And that's before he causes the tragedy that tears the family apart.

Sentenced to prison, Corby struggles to survive life on the inside, where he bears witness to frightful acts of brutality but also experiences small acts of kindness and elemental kinship with a prison librarian who sees his light and some of his fellow offenders, including a tender-hearted cellmate and a troubled teen desperate for a role model. Buoyed by them and by his mother's enduring faith in him, Corby begins to transcend the boundaries of his confinement, sustained by his hope that mercy and reconciliation might still be possible. Can his crimes ever be forgiven by those he loves?

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Book Club, Literary Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery, Adult Fiction

466 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2025

About the author

Wally Lamb is the author of six New York Times bestselling novels: I’ll Take You There, We Are Water, Wishin’ and Hopin’, The Hour I First Believed, I Know This Much Is True, and She’s Come Undone. His latest novel, The River is Waiting, will be released in May of 2025 through Marysue Rucci Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
Lamb also edited Couldn’t Keep It to Myself and I’ll Fly Away, two volumes of essays from students in his writing workshop at York Correctional Institution, a women’s prison in Connecticut, where he was a volunteer facilitator for twenty years.
Lamb lives in Connecticut with his wife, Christine, and they have three sons.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This is one of those profoundly haunting books with a devastatingly powerful narrative that lingers long after you turn the final page. It’s not just a hard read—it’s an emotionally gut-wrenching experience that forces you to confront humanity’s darkest corners. The raw portrayal of crime, the flaws of the justice system, the brutality of prison life, and the complexity of redemption make this book an unforgettable journey. But at its heart, this is a story about empathy—about facing your own demons, atoning for your past, and discovering whether true change is possible. Keep tissues close because this book will shatter you. Wally Lamb once again delivers a masterful, deeply moving story that is both thought-provoking and emotionally explosive. But be warned—some chapters are so intense they might leave you breathless.

In The River is Waiting, Lamb introduces us to Corby Ledbetter, a man whose life spirals out of control after a single catastrophic mistake. Once a devoted husband and father, he finds himself behind bars, grappling with the crushing weight of guilt and the unforgiving nature of the prison system. Inside, he encounters both unimaginable cruelty and surprising moments of kindness, from a compassionate librarian to an unlikely friendship with a fellow inmate. As Corby navigates the brutal realities of incarceration, the novel asks: Can someone truly atone for the unforgivable? And is forgiveness ever within reach?

This book doesn’t offer easy answers. It doesn’t sugarcoat the darkness. Instead, it immerses you in Corby’s journey—his anguish, his regrets, his desperate hope for redemption. The writing is immersive, pulling you into the suffocating walls of the prison, the relentless torment of grief, and the fragile thread of human connection that keeps Corby from losing himself completely. Lamb excels at creating deeply flawed, painfully real characters who force readers to reflect on morality, justice, and the possibility of second chances.

The ending left me emotionally drained in the best way possible. It’s not a neatly tied-up resolution, but rather a reflection of life’s unpredictability—raw, messy, and deeply moving.

This is not an easy read, nor should it be. It’s a book that demands your attention, your empathy, and your reflection. The characters’ struggles will stay with you, their choices will haunt you, and their journeys will challenge your understanding of forgiveness and redemption. "The River is Waiting" is a testament to Lamb’s ability to tackle complex, often painful subjects with grace and compassion. Highly recommended for those prepared for an emotionally intense read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I waited NINE YEARS for this?!?!?!?!?!



WTF? I seriously cannot believe Wally Lamb wrote this. Like many women of a certain age (perimenopausal age, to be exact), She’s Come Undone was a coming of age gamechanger of a novel for me and one that I would never dare to pick up again at the risk of it possibly not standing the test of time. I Know This Much Is True was a huge winner for me as well and I have no idea why I haven’t ever got around to The Hour I First Believed because I own it (perimenopausal brain, most likely), but this was just terrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrible.

WARNING THIS WILL CONTAIN A VERRRRRRY EASY TO SEE COMING SO STOP READING NOW OR STFU WHEN I "SPOIL" THINGS

The story here is about “Corby” (that stupid effing nickname and the character’s insistence that everyone and their dog immediately call him that upon meeting him should have tipped me off this would be awful right away) who is a super exaggerated over the top permanent victim of a character who got fired from his job and rather than (a) enjoying the ability to be a stay at home dad for he and his wife’s young twins or (b) actively looking for gainful employment instead doubles down on day drinking and prescription meds for his “anxiety” to the point where one morning he runs over and kills one of the kids with his car. (No I’m not spoiler tagging that, because if you are so dense you can’t see exactly what is being foreshadowed, then I feel real bad for you.) The rest of the book is supposed to be Corby’s redemption arc while in prison, but oh my word is this some painfully bad writing and storytelling. Like bad bad. Like ChatGPT could have wrote it bad.

A 4.68 rating??? No way. Do not recommend.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!

[Canadian Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This starts off with a tragedy that will make your jaw drop. Intense.

Life can be tough. Losing a job, having twins to care for, a marriage once thought to be solid. Everything can change in the blink of an eye as Corby finds out -in the most horrible way. Then life can become tragic.

This is a story of addiction, pain and grief. A life behind bars. But it’s also about the power of healing and forgiveness-one’s own sins and the sins of others. Relationships are complex and complicated.

Lamb paints a realistic picture of prison life being bleak. Friendships earned through trust and honesty. Doing the right thing can come at a cost. A character who is authentic in his flaws and in his suffering.

This is a hard hitting and heartbreaking story. It's a heavy one to read.
5⭐️
I loyally remain a Lamb fan.

Highly recommend I Know This Much Is True She’s Come Undone
The Hour I First Believed

[Kail Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no way to review this book properly. I’m not ok. I am NOT ok. My friends told me it wrecked them and that wasn’t enough. This book will live with me forever.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, gut wrenching, tragic, thought provoking and hard to put down! The River Is Waiting put me and its characters through an emotional ringer. The River Is Waiting explores themes of guilt, loss, addiction, anger, blame, forgiveness, bullying, choices, redemption, and marriage. This is not an easy read at all. It's a pull out your heart and stomp on it kind of book/story. Yet, it is so beautifully written and told, that I could not put it down as I soaked up the heaviness of the plot. I appreciated how the author looked at guilt, blame and forgiveness. How do you forgive the unforgiveable? How do you forgive yourself? Is there redemption to be found?

Corby Ledbetter is a father of twins who recently lost his job, is watching his toddlers while his wife works, and is secretly hiding his addictions. His marriage to Emily is strained and when a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy occurs it rips both of their worlds apart. Corby is responsible for the devastating loss and is sentenced to prison. There he will meet many men who will play a part in his life as he will play a part in theirs. He holds onto his hope of rebuilding his life with his wife upon his release....

Man, this book will kick you in the teeth. It is heartbreaking and I felt for both Emily and Corby during this book. We never get Emily's POV and there were times that I really wanted to know her thoughts. But this is a book about Corby and his journey. This book also looks at the prison system and life behind bars. The bullying that takes place there, the treatment of inmates, the handling of mental health issues, the flaws in the system, and the treatment of inmates.

There is so much to discuss with this book which makes it a great book for book clubs. This book evoked so many emotions for me and at times I needed to grab some tissues as my tears fell like rain onto the pages. This is a heavy, raw, and sad yet powerful book that may not be for everyone. In the bleakness of this book there are acts of kindness, expressions of love, supportive individuals, and moments of strength.

This book earned every one of the stars and then some. This is going to be one of my favorite books of the year. Wally Lamb delivered his most powerful book to date. This book is raw from beginning to end. This is a book that is going to stay with me for quite some time.

Beautifully written, well thought out, heartbreaking, tragic, and evoking emotion. I highly recommend this book but know that it might have some triggers for some readers.

*This was a witches words buddy read with Dorie and DeAnn. Please read their reviews as well to get their thoughts on The River Is Waiting

**The author taught Creative writing in a women's correctional facility. There is a book, Couldn't Keep it to Myself: Wally Lamb and the Women of York Correctional Institution that he wrote about it.

Thank you to Simon Element | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.


Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[JanB · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m the Nana of 4, including identical twins, and my youngest grandchild is almost 2.

Saying that reading the graphic details of a horrific incident was difficult is an understatement. Some things are best left to the reader’s imagination. We don’t need grisly details.

Then the author leads the readers down a path where we are supposed to feel empathy for Corby.

Sorry, but Corby showed his true colors long before the horrific incident, and I have zero empathy

The author inserted politics in the narrative, which is a hard NO from me, regardless of which side of the aisle. I read for escape .

This was a pass for my reading buddy, Marialyce and I.

* I received a digital arc via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

[Teres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for some light summer reading?

Move along. Nothing to see here.

The River Is Waiting is the third book I've read by New York Times best selling author Wally Lamb [see She’s Come Undone, 1992, and I Know This Much Is True, 1996].

It's been nine years since Mr. Lamb released a new novel. Nine.long.years.

Trust: good things come to those who wait.

The River is Waiting is an absolutely beautiful and moving meditation on grief and redemption.

Expect to experience the full spectrum of emotions with this one.

As I said: not light summer reading. But, guaranteed, not one you will soon forget.

[Karen]

Dnf….
No… I can’t handle Corbie… and I really don’t care what the outcome is and how he makes out after the horrible tragedy that happened to him and his family.
He was so whiny before the event and I just can’t handle him ….
I just love two of Wally Lamb’s previous novels …
She’s Come Undone.. and I Know This Much is True.
I made it to 37% and just cant take anymore of him.

[Marialyce · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am quitting at 30%. The characters are inauthentic and Corbie makes me want to reach into the page and….. let’s not mention the slurs against politics the author doesn’t agree with! It has no place in this story.

[Josh · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ page 143.

I know my rating and thoughts will not reflect the majority of people that read this book, but this is an opinion site, right? I give Wally Lamb all the respect as a writer due to his accolades from his books from the past, so please do not think I’m bashing his skills when I say that I expected more from such an experienced author.

The problems I have are as follows:

(1) The main character Corby (Corbin Ledbetter) is one of the most annoying characters I’ve ever read. That’s a lot considering I’ve read hundreds of books in my lifetime from all genres. I understand that writing a character’s flaws are important in their development, but not only did Lamb create a person that was so stereotypically broken that another broken person could relate to, it was just overwritten to the point of annoyance. I like my fiction to have a sense of reality with its characters, at least a semblance of what this character would be like, but Corby is the most pathetic broken person I think I’ve ever read about. We all have our issues from childhood (some more than most), but Corby’s father calling him a ‘loser’ doesn’t make a man turn into the worthless crap he is on these pages. Perhaps Lamb didn’t go into all the things that made him broken, or I didn’t get that far in the book to make a true subjective opinion, but these are my initial reactions to Corby’s initial development as a character.

(2) The emotion or lack of feeling in the writing of a severely traumatic experience. Lamb writes emotion like a parrot trying to imitate human speech: not well at all. You don’t feel any power or sadness with the writing, you only feel the tragedy in a superficial sense like it’s something you witnessed on the 10 o’clock news.

(3) There’s a ton of product placement throughout this book. I don’t know if this is intentional, but I can’t recall ever seeing so many brand names mentioned, and it makes me a bit suspicious on the reasoning.

(4) I believe this book has an anti-Trump book agenda masked as a family tragedy. The number of times I saw anti-Trump verbiage or bringing attention to Trump was interesting and tiresome to say the least. If this had been written as a pro-Biden/Harris book, I would’ve said the same. I know politics is a big part of life, but when a writer has an agenda within their fictional account it’s personally bothersome to me.

(5) Several characters use the word 'drugging' as a verb regarding an action of taking drugs yourself. What in the hell? I have seen the word 'drugged' in reference to drugging someone else without their permission or knowledge, but have never seen or heard anyone refer to being a drug addict or taking drugs as "He was drinking and drugging". Now I can understand how some reviewers mention that this may have been written by ChatGPT or some AI program.

In summation, I was disappointed in the writing as a whole. It seemed simple for some complex issues and geared towards a specific type of reader: one that likes a page turner, doesn’t think too much about what is happening and goes with the flow, can overlook the reality in its characters, and one that is more of a specific type of voter in our Presidential elections. I am not saying that’s a bad thing, I’m just saying it’s not for me.

I haven’t read his most known books “She’s Come Undone” or “I Know This Much is True” from the 90’s, which I know are loved and respected by many of my friends here and from what I’ve heard are much better books than his later releases, so this was most likely not the best place to start.

[Casey Reads 🌸 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Major outlier review here: this book was insufferable in my opinion.

I feel the author was expecting me to feel bad for the father, but he was insufferable from the very first page. He did horrible things and he could only think about how it affected him and even the little emotion he showed at times when he would randomly break down sobbing felt forced and selfish. I felt a whole lack of emotion from the whole situation in general with the way he was acting. I think everything he did even the situations that seemed like he was doing the right thing had a very self serving purpose.

Then when he is paying for his actions, it just becomes wildly cliched and overdone without giving too much away. I felt a real lack of emotion throughout the writing of all of this book and I think it is because of my inability to connect with the main character as that is a huge part of a book.

I feel other people got more out of this and maybe they felt deeper meaning like about how your choices and mistakes can change your whole life in a second or how much each moment can then effect other lives too and change everybody’s path. I felt this book would have been more impactful if the main character had more redeeming qualities that were shown in the beginning or if it was written from the wife’s point of view instead.

I am sure I will get hate for my opinion, but I am going to be honest I was soooo excited for this one after all the good reviews that I kept checking my library holds to see how much longer before I could get this one, so I did go into this thinking it would be 5 stars and I was majorly let down which probably contributes even more to my really low review.

[Angela M]

I’ve enjoyed Wally Lamb’s writing in the past , but this devastating event in the life of a family is just too heartbreaking to read about now .

[NZLisaM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 27 of April 2017 marked the day Corbin Ledbetter’s world broke!

By 6:15 am on that fateful day Corby had already popped an anti-anxiety pill and added hundred-proof spirits to his morning coffee. He craves both just to get through every day, is drinking and drugging in secret, hiding his addiction from his wife Emily, feeling like a failure because he’s been unable to find a job ever since he was laid off over a year ago. He’s currently a full-time stay-at-home dad to two-year-old twins Niko and Maisie. Corby’s sure he is functioning fine. Corby is wrong…

The River is Waiting was a heartbreaking, raw, hard-hitting, cry-your-eyes-out read. But there was hope, redemption, and healing to be found in the power of human resilience. The writing was hard-hitting and brutal, but the eloquent prose and emotional depth and honesty of Corby’s sole first-person narration helped. I’ve decided not to include trigger warnings as I don’t want to give anything away, but given the dark and depressing subject matter you know it’s going to be grim. Corby’s cross-addiction dependency on alcohol and prescription drugs stole the life of an innocent who loved and trusted him, shattering his relationships with family, friends, neighbours, and the community.

I thought it was cleverly done how Corby’s struggle with addiction mirrored that of several minor characters, creating a web of shared suffering, as well as highlighting that everyone has their demons. Another thing that really stood out for me was how almost everyone Corby encountered – family, friends, fleeting acquaintances – shared stories of pain, support, advice, strength, and survival.

The bulk of the novel concentrated on Corby’s years in Yates Correctional Institution, and at the beginning of each chapter we were given the date, and the number of days Corby had spent in prison out of a total of 1,095 (the equivalent of three years). Some chapters focused on a single day, others a bulk of time. As you can imagine life in prison was excruciating – violence, bullying, racial and gang divisions, harsh treatment and punishment by guards and inmates, strict routine, rules and regulations, loneliness and isolation, overcrowding and poor conditions. And on top of that Corby was a recovering addict, and worse of all the lifelong emotional sentence, crushing guilt, overwhelming shame, grief, loss, and regret associated with the reason he’s been sent to prison, so you can imagine how the strain of everything impacted his physical and mental health.

The Wequonnoc river in the title represented many layered meanings for Corby. As a child it was a sanctuary to escape his verbally abusive father. As an adult a place to slow his racing thoughts – to breathe and think when life became unbearable. And hearing the sound of the river bordering the prison soothed and calmed him in his cell bunk. And the current travelled South in the direction of home. If Corby even has a home to go back to after what he did.

I mainly read as I wanted to take my time savouring every word, but I did switch to the audiobook from time-to-time (thanks Libby) and Jeremy Sisto delivered a masterful performance, gave Corby a distinct voice, and expertly captured every emotion as he experienced it.

The River is Waiting has left a lasting impression on me. it will be one of the titles I remember when I look back on my 2025 reading journey.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this "WAITING" book.

Yes, after reading Wally Lamb's "SHE'S COME UNDONE" in 1992, I have been waiting over 30 years for another emotionally pulverizing book from this talented author.

WHY IS AUTHOR WALLY LAMB SPECIAL?

1) Lamb's protagonists are raw, deeply flawed, intense, and relatable.

Protagonists with complex emotions, self-destructive behaviors, inner turmoils, anger, and vulnerabilities.

2) Lamb confronts difficult topics (struggles with self-worth, addiction, sexual assault, death of a child, family dysfunction) and addresses these topics with unflinching honesty.

WARNING:
"THE RIVER IS WAITING" is a tearjerker that is not for the faint-hearted.

WHY NOT 5 STARS?
Although the beginning and ending of the book were strong, the middle portion devoted too much text to the protagonist's incarceration.

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Jeremy Sisto.

This was a difficult book to narrate and Jeremy Sisto's narration was outstanding,

I would have preferred a female narrator for the last chapter that unfolded from the protagonist's wife's POV.

4.5 stars

[Scott Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

One of the most shocking and heartbreaking first chapters I’ve ever read. And this was my first Wally Lamb book. I don’t want to spoil this at all so I’m just going to say this is about a man who hides his drug and alcohol abuse from his family and when the unthinkable happens he’s sentenced to three years in prison. Almost the entire book takes place while in prison where he searches for himself and how to do right by his family and how to be a better husband and father. He learns about many injustices and all the good, bad and ugly that exists living behind bars. I also want to mention while a lot of the time spent in prison isn’t necessarily the most gripping story telling, it was very enlightening and I learned a lot which I also appreciate. Also… for my fellow feelings people… I cried like a baby the last 30 pages… like… uncontrolled… so… there’s that too

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run, don’t walk when Wally Lamb’s first book in nine years hits the shelves in June of 2025.



Insert gif of Oprah screaming in her “YOU GET A FIVE STAR READ, EVERYONE GETS A FIVE STAR READ!” And this is how I feel about Wally lamb’s latest book The River is Waiting. I devoured this in two days and was devastated when it was over. Do we need to wait another decade for another Wally Lamb book??!!!

I will be the first to tell you that despite how amazing a book might be, I just won’t read it because I have a hard time going over various intense topics : slavery, racism, the American prison system, just to name a few. But, when Wally Lamb writes a book, you run don't walk.

Corby is a husband, and father to twins - Maisie and Niko. Recently laid off from his job and struggling to find a new one, he has become the main caretaker of the house, while his wife continues her job as a teacher. They live what can be considered an idyllic suburban life in Connecticut, though it’s not without its glaring flaws.
Until tragedy strikes and their entire lives are upended.

What happens next sends Corby to Yates Correctional Prison for three years. Prison - a place where you can only imagine the most hardened criminals go to, not a place where mistakes were made, anything from tax evasion, low level drug trafficking, mental illness, or in Corby’s case, the worst thing that could possibly happen, actually happens.

We spend the entirety of this book watching Corby navigate prison life - the food, the noises, the inmates, the correctional officers. We watch as he succumbs to depression, boredom, sadness, everything you can imagine someone might feel knowing their life will never be the same, both inside and outside of the cell.

Wally Lamb has created another gut wrenching, tear at the heartstrings novel, but still one full of optimism as we watch Corby, and a cast of characters that you won’t soon forget. Whether it’s his wife Emily who struggles to find reasons to stay married to Corby, Manny, his gay bunk mate with a heart of gold, the friendly prison librarian, or correctional officers who think they can treat the inmates like roaches, each character tore at my gut.

The River is Waiting isn’t just about forgiveness and doubt, it’s about the prison system as a whole. These institutions are supposed to “rehabilitate”, so when all is said and done, they return to normal life as if they didn’t just witness the horrors of American justice. Taking away books, decent food, the right to speak up to the abuse, sickens me to my core, as I’m sure Wally Lamb can attest to, having worked with female prison inmates for decades. He proves that we cannot all lump criminals into one group - not everyone deserves the hand they are given to them. I walked away knowing what I already know, the criminal justice system needs a complete reboot starting from the bottom to the top.

Whether or not Corby will find if he is forgiven, his true goal is to forgive himself of his wrongdoings. How you will feel will be debatable, as I went back and forth - how would i feel if that was me? Would I leave my husband? And so forth.

I was blessed to receive an Arc from Netgalley and Simon, and this is one book you will not soon forget. It will surely be one of the most discussed once it hits shelves in 2025.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The River is Waiting is my first Wally Lamb book so I wasn't quite sure what to expecting going in. I read the blurb early on and was very intrigued. Then word of mouth raving reviews had me ready to dive in.

This is such a sad book. Heartbreak around every corner. I loved the character development and vivid storytelling. I spent almost 3 weeks reading this one & I was fully rooting for these characters and felt so immersed and invested!

The end just did not do it for me. If this were an early screening & I was in the test audience I'd demand an alternate ending!

3 stars.

[Tracy GH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about being human. Where will you be when life catches you in your worst moment?

We meet Corby. A father, a husband and a closeted addict. When a horrible tragedy happens he cannot take the easy way out. He has to pay for his actions. He can’t forgive himself so how can he expect anyone else to?

I may not recover from this book. I am not a crier but this one had me sobbing. It was a book of contradictions. At certain parts I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough and other times I could barely cope with the words on the pages. I think this book showcases the worst in humans but ultimately the very best too.

This book will never leave me. Although I did struggle in parts it will haunt me in the very best way. Thanks Jen, for “making” me into reading this one. I never would have without you affectionately bullying me.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

The River Is Waiting started off strong—I was hooked in the beginning and thought I was in for a great read. But the middle dragged with scenes that felt pointless and didn’t move the story forward.

By the time I got to the ending, it felt like the plot had taken a back seat to the author’s political messaging. It came across as forced and preachy, and the use of stereotypes and politics throughout the book really took away from what could have been a powerful story.

Honestly, I’m disappointed. This had so much potential, but it just didn’t deliver.

[Taury · Rating 5 out of 5]

The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb is a rare book I could have read in one setting. It is riveting. Moving. Action, drama, love and forgiveness. Guilt, shame and an ending that isn’t tied up with a happy everlasting read bow! I think how can a book get any better, then I read one like this!

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a three-time Oprah's Book Club pick, the brilliance of Wally Lamb has been established. The River is Waiting is a poignant look at grief, addiction, marriage, unfulfilled expectations, and parenthood set against the backdrop of the US prison system. It is an emotional read that allows the reader to view things from a lense of compassion. Have the tissues ready for this one! This is a must-read for fans of literary and contemporary fiction.

CW: child death, prison abuse, addiction

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A horrible, devastating tragedy is the catalyst for this story. The man at its centre is Corby Ledbetter. I did not like him from the get go and even less after what happened. I didn’t know how I’d be able to continue reading this book as it is all told from Corby’s perspective, but I am so glad I did not give up.

We follow Corby into prison and we see his life there on a day to day basis. Wally Lamb really highlights its harshness, its brutality but also demonstrates moments of kindness and caring. Life in prison is not meant to be easy, but it shouldn’t be brutal either because of sadistic guards.

…”become one of the decent ones who remember we’re human beings or one of the ballbusters who has to keep reinforcing the message that we’re scum and they’re in charge.”

How does someone live with a guilt that is so encompassing? Maybe by trying to replace it with doing some good for others? It might help for a short while, but some things are just too horrible to get over.

This was certainly a bleak book, but there were moments that were uplifting that really touched my heart. We are all human- all of us make mistakes- and hopefully never one this life altering. The ending was so worth waiting for!!

Published: 2025

Ok, after a few of my recent reads, my prescription for myself- read less intense books!!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published May 6, 2025.

3.5 stars.

Corby Ledbetter is struggling mightily. He and wife Emily have two year old twins, Niko and Maisie and he is acting as full time house husband and child minder since he lost his job which is a blow to his ego. He also has a growing secret addiction to prescription anxiety drugs and alcohol just to get him through the days.

Then an unthinkable tragedy strikes and Corby is to blame. His family is torn apart and Corby is sentenced to prison where he barely survives on the inside. However he also experiences small acts of kindness and grace and he forms relationships with the prison librarian, his cellmate and a young man desperate for a role model. He draws strength from them as well as from those on the outside. Can his crimes be forgiven by those he loves?

I remember reading that Lamb is a big advocate for prison writing programs. The book can be a bit saccharine at times, but I enjoyed it. I should have seen the end coming.

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very excited to see a new Wally Lamb book. I was so disappointed. This story was terrible. Sad, yes. Memorable, yes. But the writing was not as good as I remember Lamb's writing from I Know This Much Is True. I struggled to keep reading. I hated the story, hated the ending, hated the political references and the COVID scenarios. I would not recommend this to anyone.

ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley.

[Ron Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the trauma splayed out in “She’s Come Undone,” “I Know This Much Is True” and “The Hour I First Believed,” nobody wanders into a Wally Lamb novel for kicks. Still, the opening of his latest book, “The River Is Waiting,” screams in a pitch that will etch itself into your nightmares.

Corby Ledbetter, a stay-at-home father of 2-year-old twins, Maisie and Niko, is secretly floundering. This cost-saving arrangement was supposed to be temporary — just till he could find another graphic-design job and put the kids back in day care — but the market is tight, and the demands of parenting toddlers, coupled with constant rejection, have shredded his confidence. He can hardly complain to his wife, Emily, because she’s keeping their family afloat on her teacher’s salary. And besides, the kids are a joy. “I’m the fun parent,” he assures us as the totally candid narrator of “The River Is Waiting.” Sometimes — well, most times — a couple of Ativan pills and a few splashes of rum from a bottle hidden in the lobster pot are all he needs to start the day with a smile.

On a chilly spring morning in 2017, Corby already has a buzz as he rushes to get the kids out the door for a playdate with Grandma so he can pursue some job leads, which is code for getting drunk on the sofa with “The Price Is Right.” While Niko studies a line of ants on the driveway, Corby straps Maisie into her seat, chats briefly with an irritating neighbor and then backs the car over his son.

For all its relentless momentum and dramatic irony, this introduction is essentially unbearable. Even Euripides didn’t plunge us into a private hell of such pedestrian plausibility. Nobody thinks, “Oh, Medea — there but for the grace of God go I.” But the stray moment of domestic negligence crossed with dumb luck that kills what’s most precious to us — that’s the unspeakable fear of parenthood, the possibility that makes us sweat but can never be seen, like looking at the sun.

Although rare in American fiction, such shattering acts are....

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[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read two Wally Lamb books, SHE’S COME UNDONE and I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE, back in the late 90s because Oprah told me to. (The original book influencer, right?) I like his writing style which is why I was eager to get my hands on a copy of his latest novel, THE RIVER IS WAITING. Another thought-provoking read that allowed me to experience a wide range of emotions.

It’s a heavy read. Starting off I could only manage a chapter a day because it was a lot to process. A horrible tragedy occurs at the beginning of the book and it’s the main character’s fault. Your blood will boil, it’s that bad. As the storyline shifts into a new phase, my tension level thankfully decreased and I was able to settle in better.

You are watching a man on a journey and will see the good, bad, and ugly sides. As readers we all have reasons for picking up a book or deciding to pass. I personally am thankful I stuck with THE RIVER IS WAITING. It’s not a perfect read and at times I struggled with how the character was written, but I gained something of value from the experience. This character and story are practically begging to be discussed in a book club.

Thank you Mary Sue Rucci Books for sending me a free advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The River is Waiting starts off very intense from the get-go and chapter one ends with a sucker punch to the gut!

This book is very hard to read. To say it is emotional is an understatement. There are multiple possible triggers for some readers. The details are not held back on said triggers.

Having said that, this is my first experience with the work of Wally Lamb and I find him to be quite a talented author. The writing in The River is Waiting flows smoothly and his ability to keep me engaged in such a depressing story is surprising. I’m not sure if all his books are this heavy but I think I will space them out just in case.

“Knowing the difference between hope and expectations has helped me ever since.”

[Jamie Rosenblit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down the best book I've read in years. I've long been a fan of Wally Lamb (who isn't), but honestly - this book rivaled I Know This Much is True for me, something I didn't think possible. The writing, the story, the emotions - this book is truly just next level and I know long time fans and new readers will agree when this releases May 2025.

Thank you to Simon Element for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read any reviews about this book, then you know it’s a GUT-WRENCHING read. Did I love it, absolutely I did, were there things I didn’t care for, yes there were! But for me, it still deserves all the stars. Mercy, where do I even begin without giving spoilers away. The story opens with a horrific tragedy and the story unfolds from there. We’ve all seen some of these stories on the news and we’re so quick to cast judgment aren’t we. Now I’m not saying that if you commit a crime you shouldn’t be held accountable, you absolutely should be. But each situation is unique and this story allows you to dive behind the scenes. If you’ve read this, then I think you’ll know what I mean by that. It for sure gave me lots to think about and wrestle with. One minute I’m feeling sympathy for Corby and the next I’m wanting to knock his head off, but I never stopped rooting for him. Lamb has worked in a correctional institution teaching writing, and this clearly shines through in his writing. I’ve been through counseling, so I especially
appreciated the way he wrote those sessions. We all need a Dr. Patel and Mrs. Millman in our lives. Someone to believe in us, cheer us on when even we’ve screwed up. I was so happy Corby had them and a friend in his cellmate, Manny. I’ve seen lots of people who are disappointed with the ending and I get that. Again, I can’t say much without giving something away. No matter how it ended, Corby would have a hard road ahead of him. I know I’ve rambled a bit, but books that touch my soul are the hardest to review. With the prison setting, there are triggers galore and some very crass language. Every single one of these characters will stay with me and look for this to be in my top reads this year!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard review! How can I give the book five stars but also feel like I can hardly recommend it to anyone because it is so incredibly sad? I can really sit with emotionally gutting books but this one takes it to the next level. Still...I gave it five stars.