I was excited to dive into The River Is Waiting, having enjoyed Wally Lamb’s past work, and while the novel carries his signature emotional depth and character-driven storytelling, it ultimately felt longer than it needed to be. There also seemed to be way too much focus on day to day of prison life. Not even sure this viewpoint is accurate based on some reviews I have read.

The themes—family, memory, identity—are compelling, and Lamb writes with obvious care and insight. However, the pacing was slow, and there were stretches that felt overly drawn out. At times, the narrative seemed to lose momentum, which made it harder to stay fully engaged.

That said, Lamb’s prose is thoughtful, and there are moments of real poignancy throughout the novel. For readers who enjoy a slow-burn, reflective literary experience, this may still resonate. I just found myself wishing for a bit more focus and a tighter arc overall.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

This book started out very strong but fizzled bad once the MMC went to prison. I have worked in correctional facilities for over a decade and it is absolutely infuriating the lack of basic research that went into this book. Nothing about how prison is described is remotely accurate. It is stereotypical at best and downright damaging at worst. On top of that, the writing is mediocre and offered zero actual character development. There is hundreds of pages of just random day to day prison life (that isn’t even accurate) and it’s boring and doesn’t propel the plot or character. The ending felt like a political point trying to be made and was again, so inaccurate of what actually happened during that time in corrections that I couldn’t hardly stand to read it.

“The River Is Waiting” is a thought-provoking, emotionally raw story that delivers a true Wally Lamb gut punch. I found the main character deeply relatable, even as a man navigating experiences different from my own. It’s a powerful, beautifully told narrative that left me in a puddle by the end.

This is a difficult and emotional book to read. I have been a long-time fan of Wally Lamb so was excited to read this. I do think you have to be in the right frame of mind as this book deals with addiction, death, the prison system, complicated relationships, etc.
Corby is the father of twins. He lost his job and is the stay-at-home parent, but is drowning his sorrows in alcohol and pills. He is drunk one morning while loading the kids in the car, and forgets that he hasn't put one of the twins in the car and that twin is on the driveway, and in harms way of the car.
Corby goes to prison and looks for redemption.
I thought he was a really unlikable character, but am still glad I read the book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Beautiful, amazing, emotional read. Loved every bit of this book & will highly recommend it. Thank you Wally Lamb and NetGalley

W O W. This book has left me so emotional. While I saw the ending coming, this book is raw and real. It is not an easy read so prepare yourself going into this.

I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!!!

My goodness this rocked my entire world and then it ended and left me gutted.

Wow. The beginning of this book absolutely ripped my heart out. What a devastating and beautifully written story of pure heartbreak and tragic downfall. Wally Lamb is certainly known to write beautifully tragic stories that don’t shy away from difficult topics with well developed characters, and this book is all of the above. I devoured this in two days (despite it being more than 400 pages).

Corby is a struggling father of two year old twins. Laid off from his job and struggling to find work, he finds himself in the role of primary parent while his wife works… and starts self-medicating with alcohol and anxiety meds. After his negligence leads to a tragic accident, Corby is sentenced to three years in prison for his actions. In prison, Corby is faced with more pain, suffering, and small acts of kindness from those around him, while his family struggles to find forgiveness on the outside.

This book touches on so many complex topics, centered on how one choice, one mistake, one misstep can rip everything away from you and your loved ones. How everything you know could be wrenched from your grasp in an instant. How even those supposed to protect you, may put you in danger or make you question whether life is worth living. And of the resilience of humanity.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wally Lamb’s new novel will be published on 6/10/25. I have loved this author’s books for many years. I was so excited to read his newest novel, The River is Waiting. I absolutely loved this story. I read it in just over a day. I was transported by the characters, themes, & storyline. I couldn’t wait to get back to the book when I put it down, even for brief moments. The author’s writing is truly incandescent. The prose contains depth, complexity, and perfect attunement to the human condition within these pages. Whatever you do, @wallylambauthor keep on writing-bravo! I don’t have a large following on the bookstagram, so I’m truly grateful to the publisher & @netgalley for giving me this review copy in exchange for an honest review. This novel will be one of my top selections in 2025!

I don’t mind social or political commentary in books, and of course commentary on the US justice system and prison system is to be expected in this book. However, I think this author tried to take on too many additional issues to the point where it all felt more like grandstanding than anything. And the ending? Hated it. It all fell apart for me and was both incredibly cliche and unbelievable.

I did not like the main character. He’s meant to be morally gray. But I struggled to root for him and saw the ending coming.

This book is also too long! The author shoehorns his commentary in and belabors the point with some of it. If I had not read 80% of this book on planes (read: minimal opportunity to do much else) and if not for the e-ARC, I would not have finished it.

I’ve never read this author before but I know some people rave about his other books. From skimming other reviews, it seems this one is quite different from his previous works. Something to keep in mind if you’re a fan of him and considering reading this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Marysue Rucci books, Simon Element, and Wally Lamb for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m only a little sorry I can’t provide a better one!

Wally Lamb's "The River is Waiting," is a gripping and emotionally intense read with complex, authentic characters, consistent with his previous books, all of which I have read. The novel is a big story with a big heart. It's a story of a family, broken by a a tragedy that resulted in the imprisonment of Cody, father, and husband. Cody's journey through unfathomable fear and abuse of prison, and his complex quest for forgiveness and redemption is both gut-wrenching wrenching and heartbreaking. This is a very tough read that brought me to tears. But, it is also a read I will not forget. This book is now at the top of my best books of 2025 and has my strongest recommendation.

The River is Waiting is the kind of book that tears you apart yet cannot be put down. I flew through this chunky drama, my first but not last by Wally Lamb, as I couldn't wait to know what would become of Corby. Corby is a devastatingly flawed yet still somehow endearing and lovable main character. I must say that the first chapter of this book ends with one of the hardest scenes I've ever read, and please check content warnings before you begin this literary journey.

Corby Ledbetter has had a rough year. He's a new father to twins and without a job, he's become their primary caregiver. When a series of mistakes lead to the worst of family tragedies, Corby heads to prison. The majority of the novel takes place as Corby serves his time, and he is determined to improve himself and prove to his wife that he is worth not giving up on.

I really cannot say enough about how much this book and Lamb's characters gripped my heart. Corby is an incredibly dynamic character and he will frustrate you as he makes decisions good and bad throughout the story. And the rest of the characters are richly developed and realistic as well, you'll root for them and hate them, relate to them and hurt for them.

But I'd be remiss not to mention the ending. I won't spoil it, but this ending was very hard for me. I love what Lamb captures in this book and that it is based on his professional and volunteer experiences. This one will be on my mind for a long time to come.

This was a tough read about the aftermath of a horrible accident in which a toddler loses his life. In the hands of a less skilled author it might have been impossible for me to read a book about such a heavy subject and did , at times, bring me to tears. Wally Lamb is a master at his craft so unless topics such as a child’s death, prison, drug and alcohol abuse trigger a reader, I highly recommend it I couldn’t put it down.

Wow... this definitely is a heart breaking read.

This honestly reminded me of the heartbreak that I work with. I'm an LCSW and have a lot of experience working with substance abuse and trauma.

Corby has an addiction to alcohol and drugs. An unexpected tragedy happens and he is sent to prison. He is ultimately eaten alive in prison by his own inner demons and guilt.

I've always been fascinated with human behavior. Our underlying demons and fears that were not able to look at. Our behaviors that turn dark into dark.

I really enjoyed this novel and the hope that actual surpasses the guilt and darkness.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to the publisher for my copy.

Corby Ledbetter is a laid-off commercial artist in Connecticut who cares for his toddler twins Maisie and Niko while his wife Emily works as a teacher. Corby is also struggling with a growing secret addiction to “benzos and booze.” He’s “not too worried about it” though - he tells himself it’s “just a stopgap thing” till his situation turns around. But he starts using earlier and earlier in the day, and one day tragedy strikes when, not fully alert, he runs over and kills one of the twins who was playing in the driveway.

Corby admitted his wrongdoing, and was sentenced to prison for three years at the Yates Correctional Institution.

The rest of the novel is mostly narrated by Corby in prison, and is almost a day-by-day account. As Corby learns about racism and sexism in prison, as well as the shameful history of treatment of Native Americans in Connecticut and elsewhere, the story can seem more like a somewhat heavy-handed attempt at soap-boxing by the author.

As for Corby’s personal journey, his efforts to overcome addiction and also to be a better person are sporadic; Corby doesn’t seem “sold” on the idea of changing. He is fixated on Emily forgiving him, his remaining child loving him, and life returning to “normal.” His thoughts about Emily are mainly focussed on worries over whether she will find someone else rather than what she might be going through as a single parent and grieving mother. It is very, very difficult to like Corby.

Nevertheless, it is a compelling, moving story, and I availed myself of many kleenexes at the end. I would recommend it.

THE RIVER IS WAITING begins with every parent’s worst nightmare and spirals into a powerful story of guilt, survival, and the long road to redemption.
Corby Ledbetter, once unemployed and lost in addiction, finds himself behind bars after a series of devastating choices. As he navigates life in prison, his relationships shift, his priorities evolve, and he’s forced to confront the full weight of what he’s done.

Through Corby’s journey, Wally Lamb masterfully explores the crushing burden of guilt and the quiet, persistent hope of forgiveness. This is a deeply moving story that reminds us light can be found even in the bleakest of places.

While not a lighthearted read, this book would make for an excellent book club discussion for readers prepared to take on heavier topics.

Read this if you:
-are in the mood for a contemplative, emotionally layered read
-believe in blooming where you’re planted
-know the quiet hope a library can bring

RATING: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 stars)
PUB DATE: June 10, 2025

Wow. This was a heavy read but really good. I even stopped reading for a few days towards the end and picked up a fluff book to read before finishing the last few chapters of this book.

Corby Ledbetter is out of work and caring for his young twins while his wife works. He turns to alcohol and benzos to help relieve his anxiety, but he becomes addicted and makes some bad choices. His choices result in an unimaginable tragedy, and Corby winds up in prison.

Most of the book focuses on Corby’s time in prison as he deals with pain, suffering, guilt, despair, and the hopefulness and also fear of new beginnings. There are people he meets in the prison system that have both major positive and negative impacts on his life. There were parts in the book that I sympathized for Corby and other parts where I was mad at him for his selfishness.

This isn’t a book to pick up for a lighthearted read or a feel-good ending. It deals with some tought topics and takes a look at guilt, punishment, and redemption in a raw way. There were also elements of love, forgiveness, and hope.

“The River Is Waiting,” by Wally Lamb, is a poignant story about the aftermath of a devastating and unimaginable tragedy. Corby Ledbetter, the protagonist and first-person narrator, is married to Emily. After losing his job, Corby becomes a stay-at-home dad to the couple’s toddler twins, Niko and Maisie. The Ledbetters are living a mainly idyllic life, but Corby’s secret addiction to anxiety medication and alcohol leads to a tragedy that rips his and his family’s lives apart and lands him in prison for several years.

As the repercussions unfold, readers are put on an emotional roller coaster. Corby suffers blame, grief, despair, cruelty, and other hardships. Yet, in light of these struggles, Corby grows and finds hope. A caring and supportive cellmate contributes to Corby’s psychological well-being. The prison librarian bestows an act of kindness that allows Corby to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment. And, at the risk of punishment from a pair of unscrupulous prison guards, Corby protects and provides compassion to a young, fragile, and misplaced prisoner.

Although “The River Is Waiting” may be emotionally difficult for some readers, given the nature of the tragedy, it is a wonderful and worthy read. The author does an outstanding job showing how Corby, Emily, and others respond and cope. The author also vividly portrays the harsh realities of prison life, including the institutional bureaucracy that can lead to prisoner humiliation and degradation. The book’s dialogue is crisp and realistic, and the writing style and tone will seem familiar to fans of Wally Lamb’s other books—especially “I Know This Much Is True.”

Read “The River Is Waiting” to decide whether Corby deserves the forgiveness he so desires and to find out if he ultimately receives it.

[My special thanks to Marysue Rucci Books (Simon & Schuster) and NetGalley for an Advance Reader’s Edition of this book.]

I received an ARC from the publisher on NetGalley. FIVE stars! This book is nothing short of amazing. The writing, the detailed story and the way it pulls your emotions in so you are feeling the pain alongside the characters….pure brilliant writing. While topics are heavy and at points devastating and heartbreaking, I enjoyed every page and couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of Wally Lamb's upcoming new novel, due for release June 10th, 9-years after his last book.

I believe Wally Lamb wrote this book to showcase a man's journey from the depths of despair based on not just one personal situation, but another so extreme that it is sure to trigger a majority of adult women who I think are his primary audience. I personally had to speed read/semi-scan my way over it, just to move on and see what this 480-page novel would reveal. Defining Corby Ledbetter's life happens immediately at the start of the book so the rest of the story is with his "after."

If anyone has read The Many Lives of Mama Love (non-fiction), or another book based on incarceration, then you have a good idea of what the bulk of The River Is Waiting will be like. Not surprisingly, the US penal system is horrible, underfunded, and attracts mentally unbalanced control-freaks for some, but not all, of the guard population. Author Lamb is very familiar with the prison system based on his decades long involvement in a women's writing program for inmates. He clearly called significantly on this knowledge base to write the book. It reads like a non-fiction book for 90% of it. There are many scenes that are difficult to read.

While we are meant to identify or empathize with Corby's journey toward some sort of redemption, and possibly his wife's similar path, I felt somehow distant from the characters, and what was revealed about them behaviorally in the novel. I never came close to tearing up as I read, and I have with other emotionally significant novels.

From the onset, I felt Corby was a fool to take the initial action he took that led to his incarceration. I don't think it served any purpose except self-flagellation and as a plot device. I did not understand why he made certain choices such as the ones preceding a urine test, when most people could have guessed that outcome. The wife's lack of knowledge of Corby's actions before the accident seem a little suspect. Yes she is busy teaching, but it was surprising she had no clue about what was actually going on with her husband. I also think it would have been more authentic if she would have simply separated from Corby at the onset rather than how things were described. Not allowing her daughter to visit felt like cruel and unusual punishment.

Mostly I really was upset with the ending. It was unnecessary after the reader invested so much time in the journey of this family. I was hoping there was a light at the end of the tunnel, and while some may view the human lessons/evolution as the 'light,' I did not. It almost seemed like a writing tool to wrap up an already long book without having to deal with too much of the aftermath. But the reader was left without a more satisfying resolution which made me sad.

Lastly, I am a parent of twins, thankfully older, and generally avoid any books that involve abuse or harm to children as a rule of thumb, but I got sucked into the Wally Lamb world when I saw it available on NetGalley and had to request it. But I would urge caution for any parents of young children who might be interested in this novel. Unfortunately, and I may be an outlier compared to other reviewers, this is a 2-star for me based on content, plot, and character development.