Oh, how I really wanted to love this book, espcially after reading the synopsis!

Corby Ledbetter causes an unspeakable tragedy within his family. It starts with the loss of his job, spirals to addiction, and then the tragedy. Corby is sent to prison.

Lamb did a great job describing the building of the relationship between Emily and Corby, I felt that foundation was solid. There were so many introspective solid points here, while Corby was in prison. But, then so many added items that I just kept asking why, why where they added to the story-line? For example, some of the history of things while he was in prison. (It is hard to write a review without giving spoilers so I am just going to leave it at that.) The ending did surprise me. I did not see that coming at all.

Thank you, NetGalley and Simon Element | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books for the ARC

Thank you for the ARC! My review is below...
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Corby Ledbetter is in a rut. He's been out of work for a year, and after passionately looking for work after he was laid off, the rejections are piling up and taking a toll on his motivation. He spends his days caring for his twin two-year-olds, Niko and Maisie, while his wife Emily teaches and supports the family financially. The depression associated with his inability to find work has led him to increase his use of his prescribed Ativan, and he's started supplementing that with some secretive day drinking. Then tragedy strikes the young family, and Corby finds himself headed to prison for a 3-year sentence, where the majority of the novel takes place.

There are elements that will feel familiar in The River Is Waiting for readers who have enjoyed author Wally Lamb's other work, and in many ways this feels like a compendium of his favorite topics. For starters, he brings back Dr. Rubina Patel, who played such a pivotal role in I Know This Much Is True, for an encore (but more limited) performance in this one. He again digs into the Wequonnoc Indians and their mistreatment by settlers and the government, in more depth this time. He focuses on the prison system, of course, which followers of Lamb know is close to his heart, given his decades working with the women incarcerated at York Correctional Institution, and uses the setting to sprinkle in a good amount of righteous outrage from Corby on the inequities of the U.S. judicial system.

I count I Know This Much Is True as among my all-time favorite novels, and so perhaps my expectations were too high for The River Is Waiting. There were moments in the book—especially the buildup and immediate aftermath of the aforementioned tragedy—that had me captivated and reading late into the evening. I thought Lamb did a great job establishing the foundation of Corby's and Emily's relationship, which is essential to the rest of the story. Corby's time in prison was less compelling, especially considering Lamb's familiarity with the subject, but perhaps his close understanding of the realities of prison life caused him to write a less sensational version of what we see in movies or on television. Even as it began to waver a bit, I still expected the book was probably going to end up as a 4-star novel for me. Then I got to the end.

Lamb's ham-fisted handling of the conclusion really tanked this one for me. The combination of events, the manner in which those events are communicated to the reader, and the characters' dialogue and reactions to them was, frankly, ruinous for the novel. It's difficult to review without spoiling, but suffice it to say that I was left wholly disappointed with the author's choices and execution, even down to the final sentence. I was frustrated and angry that so much promise had been squandered. It was doubly shocking given much of my love for I Know This Much Is True is attributable to its just-right finish. How could the same writer create a conclusion so precisely perfect in one book and miss so badly in this one? I felt like Adam Sandler as Billy Madison screaming "You blew it!" as I turned the final page.

There are other smaller problems I had with the book—I saw one reviewer call it "completely soulless", and while I think that overstates it, there were too many human interactions that just felt "off" sprinkled throughout from an author who normally nails those. But those smaller nits pale in comparison to the choices with the conclusion, and I'm surprised there aren't more early readers turned off in the same way I was. Ultimately, I was disappointed.

I was so excited to see that Wally Lamb had written a new novel and was thrilled to get a review copy. However, I have to be honest, I put this book down after the first main event of the plot. I just didn’t want to read a book on this topic. The dread was real. I gave it a week and, because I loved earlier work by this author, I resumed my reading. I’m so glad I did. The main character grew and grew on me despite the horrible situation and events. Wally Lamb can write characters so you know them like your family. What a talent. Corby is flawed and horrible and human. The world treats him so badly. I hated him and I had so much compassion for him. This continued throughout. Sometimes he was whiney and stupid and sometimes heroic. This book is depressingly dark and so intense. I winced more than once and even closed my eyes once! I took lots of breaks but ultimately I finished this novel in two days and I’m so glad I gave it a second chance. There is so much going on in this novel; the symbol of the river, the social commentaries, the resilience of the human spirit, love, loss, grief….It’s an excellent piece of literary fiction that will not appeal to all but I’m glad I read it and would highly recommend it to someone looking for a serious read. This is book club material. I want to talk to others who read it and see where we are on all the above mentioned comments. Also, the ending didn’t work for me at all however clever I can appreciate it is. The first person narrative was for Corby not for one chapter each of less developed characters. Overall, all the stars from this reader. I’d love to see another novel from Wally Lamb soon. Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley. This book and Corby will stay with me for a longtime.

Possibly one of the most depressing books I’ve read in awhile, but I did enjoy this novel and am a fan of Wally Lamb.

I feel like the middle section of the story (primarily the prison happenings) could’ve been edited down a bit. Seemed like there was too much time spent on the day to day interactions in prison and I would’ve preferred more on either end of his sentence. I found myself skimming a little towards the end.

Didn’t love the ending.

The pace was perfect to keep you reading. If you have read a few of Wally Lamb’s books you know it is going to be somewhat dark and this is no exception. Not my favorite of his but still a good read. I had an idea of how it would end up but others might not.

The River is Waiting, by Wally Lamb, is one of the most difficult books I've read. Although beautifully written by the incomparable Mr. Lamb, the story hits like a bolt of lightening that breaks you to your core and brings you to your knees. My conscience could not help but feel extreme anxiety and fear for the main character and the life that Mr. Lamb had him endure. In essence, though, isn't that what the very best authors do? They create a story and characters that are so real that the reader feels every gut-wrenching punch, making the story come alive. Kudos to Mr. Lamb for achieving such a masterpiece, but reader be ware...it's a tough pill to swallow.

Woah. This book was intense. Whole reading, I felt a mix of sadness, fear and hope. I really enjoyed Corby’s story and his life in prison. The story was easy to follow along and very descriptive and powerful.

Wally Lamb never disappoints and this book is no exception. Masterfully crafted with the attention to detail that he is known for, this book may be one of his bests.

The River is Waiting is a heartbreaking and well written novel. The characters are realistically flawed and I was rooting for them throughout the book. I did struggle with the ending and how the pandemic snuck its way in there. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend. I look forward to reading more of Wally Lamb’s novels!

I’ve been a fan of Wally Lamb’s work since She’s Come Undone, and I was beyond excited to read The River is Waiting. Lamb has such a way with characters, and this book is no exception. Corby Ledbetter’s journey is both heartbreaking and redemptive, filled with layers of complexity that made me feel every emotion. From his struggles with addiction and fatherhood to the tragedy that forever changes his family, Corby’s story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The prison setting offers a stark contrast between brutality and small moments of kindness, and it’s these moments that really resonated with me. The bond Corby forms with his cellmate and the prison librarian, along with the unwavering faith of his mother, provides the hope he desperately needs. But the heart of this story lies in the powerful question: Can anyone truly redeem themselves? Will his family ever forgive him? Lamb’s exploration of mercy, reconciliation, and the human capacity for change is profound and thought-provoking. It’s a book that’ll stick with you long after the last page.

Its no surprise Wally Lamb wrote a book about twins losing each other - its his style, right?

This book has gotten a lot of interesting feedback for some really good reasons. For one, he can do better. We've read better from him. For two, is main character is literally the worst. I have a lot to say about this one, and a lot of it is judgmental and not worth saying.

Corby is a loser. He's a feel-sorry-for-myself loser who has a penchant for day drinking and watching his twins. As a twin mother, I'm appalled and aghast that Lamb would go here. To read through him running over his child DOPED UP ON BENZOS? Honestly. I've read a lot of sick things but this takes the cake. THEN he has the audacity to be all "I deserve punishment let me go to prison" but once he gets there all we hear for 4830 pages is how sad he is, how lonely he is, how shitty his life is. No. Nope. Not working.

This is a book about parenthood written by a man that has no idea what parenting is, if you ask me.

Also. Him dying of covid in the end? What a cop out. Give us the halfway house, give us the custody fight, give us the drama we had to sit through instead of everyone forgiving him for his heinous crime.

I'd say if you like Wally Lamb, you'll like this one but the jury seems to say the exact opposite. This one was 100 pages too long and not worth it. Sorry, guys.

Wally Lamb punches you right in the heart. He writes flawed humans just so well. This book is upsetting, heartbreaking, and hopeful all the same time. Another title could be Corby Grows Up. Lambs connection with water is always one of the things I enjoy most.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Oh, Mr. Lamb...Wally, if I may, it was worth waiting 10 years to hear from you again!

The River Is Waiting is harrowing and heartbreaking, loaded with your hallmark vivid descriptions and troubled characters. Your depth of character development is amazing! I raced toward the conclusion even as I hated to see it end!

Please don't be a stranger!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element for gifting me a copy. It is my pleasure to write an honest review.

Wally Lamb is my favorite author. I was very excited to read this book, especially after waiting so long since his last one. It was a very good story, although a tragic one. I can't give it the full five stars because it was too woke for my tastes. Every marginalized group got recognized here, even those not part of the story. It just wasn't necessary and removed me from an otherwise great story. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such a mixed bag for me! I remember Wally Lamb's novels from years ago as being unique, ambitious, heartbreaking beautiful with realistic and flawed (but endearing) characters. This book, while still ambitious, fell short in a few areas. It was compelling and hard to look away from, and grappled with some truly important aspects of America and our collective humanity. But Lamb falls too deeply into the telling rather than the showing in this particular story. Our protagonist, Corby Ledbetter, is sentenced to prison after a tragic accident that his addictions cause, and he spends a good amount of the time feeling sorry for himself. There are moments of hope and wonder and growth through the years for Corby, yes, but Lamb is never completely able to let us feel our way through Corby's story. Too often, he falls into telling the reader too plainly exactly what Corby's flaws are, and how he thinks and struggles his way through those flaws. In short, he spelled too much out for me as a reader, rather than taking me along more naturally through Corby's painful and often frustrating choices. Lamb seemed to be tackling many concepts and themes and ideas at once through Corby, but oftentimes it came across as messy and unfinished. But, perhaps that's the point? Whatever I may have thought of the writing feeling forced at times, it did keep me interested and engaged, and had some truly lovely and insightful moments. In some ways, a prison redemption (or lack of redemption?) story needs to be a bit more original to feel truly brand new, but this saw a cast of your typical prison archetype characters without really feeling like it was giving us anything new to think about. The ending was, to some degree, unexpected and makes an argument of sorts about addiction and blame and loss and struggle, about human kindness and connection and weakness.....and what those all mean in the sum of a single life.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The River is Waiting" by Wally Lamb is a profound and evocative novel that weaves together the complexities of human emotion, identity, and the unyielding passage of time. Lamb, known for his deeply moving and character-driven narratives, once again delivers a story that resonates on multiple levels.

The novel centers around the lives of several interconnected characters, each grappling with their own personal demons and seeking solace in the small, picturesque town that the river runs through. At the heart of the story is Emily, a woman struggling to come to terms with a tragic loss, and Sam, a man trying to rebuild his life after a series of poor decisions. Their paths cross, and together they embark on a journey of healing, redemption, and self-discovery.

Lamb's writing is lyrical and poignant, painting vivid pictures of the characters' internal and external landscapes. His ability to delve into the psyche of his characters, revealing their fears, hopes, and vulnerabilities, is truly remarkable. The narrative flows like the river itself, sometimes serene and contemplative, at other times tumultuous and unpredictable.

The themes of grief, forgiveness, and the search for meaning are expertly woven throughout the novel, making it a deeply introspective and thought-provoking read. Lamb's exploration of these themes is nuanced and empathetic, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience.

The river, a central symbol in the novel, serves as a metaphor for the characters' journeys. Its ever-changing nature reflects their struggles and triumphs, adding a layer of depth to the story. Lamb's descriptions of the natural world are vivid and immersive, making the setting almost a character in its own right.

"The River is Waiting" is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel that showcases Wally Lamb's talent for creating rich, multi-dimensional characters and compelling narratives. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. This novel is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and anyone seeking a heartfelt and contemplative journey through the intricacies of life and love.

Not an easy read but unputdownable. A finely drawn character study. Corby is an artist, a husband, a father, an addict. The story is told from his point of view, and depicts a multilayered person.

I love Wally Lamb but find him hit or miss. Love the concept. Feel like the book needs some editing though, esp in the middle.

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.

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!

Every parents worst nightmare comes true in this elegant but heartbreaking novel written by Wally Lamb. Stunningly told through the eyes of Corby Ledbetter, an alcoholic father, who lost his job and is trying to cope in overall life but failing miserably.
You will feel every range of emotion when reading this brilliant book, and I mean EVERY emotion. It is easily going to be one of the best books of 2025, make sure to add it to your lists!