Book Review :: The River is Waiting

Fans of Wally Lamb will feel right at home in The River is Waiting, where the angst and raw humanity of Corby Ledbetter echo Lamb’s signature style.

Like some of Lamb’s other unforgettable protagonists, Corby is a man in the middle of significant life changes. Reeling from job loss and drowning in the pressure of new fatherhood, Corby is numbing his pain with drugs and alcohol. What’s a little Captain Morgan in his morning coffee to chase an Ativan? He knows he needs to confess this to his wife, but given the pressure she is under, being the sole breadwinner at the time, and his responsibility as primary caregiver of their two-year-old twins, Maisie and Niko, he doesn’t want to burden her further with something he knows he can get a grip on by himself.

When a devastating accident lands him in prison, Corby is forced to confront the wreckage of his life. Behind bars, he faces both the brutality of incarceration and moments of unexpected grace, where defending the vulnerable becomes both a burden and a path to redemption.

Corby’s wife, Emily, is uncertain about their future. She believes that visiting Corby in prison would only confuse and hurt their young daughter, so she refuses to bring her on visits. For Corby, this decision is crushing. He’s already lost his freedom—and now he feels as if he’s losing his family. Must he sacrifice his marriage and his relationship with his daughter as well?

While on a work detail outside the prison, Corby encounters the nearby Wequonnoc River. There, he picks up a small stone that becomes a talisman—connecting him not only to the river, but to the Native people who once found refuge and peace along its banks. When Corby stands up for justice inside the prison walls, two corrupt guards retaliate, threatening to take what little dignity he has left.

In the end, it is through art that Corby begins to reconcile with his past, confronting both the demons that haunt him and the angels that offer hope.

What’s remarkable about The River is Waiting is Lamb’s ability to transform a character who initially seems beyond redemption into someone you not only care about, but empathize with and ultimately root for.

The novel offers a fresh yet familiar exploration of themes often found in Wally Lamb’s work: How much can a family endure and still remain whole? What does true forgiveness look like, and how do you seek it from others when you haven’t yet forgiven yourself? Who stands up for the innocent and defenseless? Lamb navigates these questions through well-known territory—rocky marriages, “functional” substance abuse, and life behind bars.

Verdict: The result is an immersive, emotionally resonant read that longtime fans will deeply appreciate—and one that’s sure to captivate newcomers as well. Highly recommend.

Questions for The River is Waiting for Your Book Club

(Note: Some questions may contain spoilers, so tread carefully.)

How does Wally Lamb challenge the reader’s ability to empathize with a deeply flawed character like Corby Ledbetter? At what point, if any, did you begin to root for him?

Corby believes he can manage his substance abuse alone without burdening his wife. What does this reveal about his character, and how does it reflect real-world attitudes about addiction and masculinity?

Emily’s decision not to bring their daughter to visit Corby in prison is both protective and painful. Do you agree with her decision? Why or why not?

In what ways does Corby’s experience inside prison illuminate broader issues about justice, vulnerability, and power?

Why do you think Corby opts not to tell his cellmate about the attack by the guards? How or is this indicative of his growth as a person?

What do you think the novel is saying about forgiveness—both of others and of oneself? Is forgiveness always possible or even desirable?

Wally Lamb began writing The River is Waiting before COVID, but obviously uses it a plot device at the end. Was this a satisfying conclusion for you?

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I was provided an advance reader copy of The River is Waiting by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review. The River is Waiting will be available to all readers on June 10, 2025.