Book Review: The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
When I first heard that Wally Lamb was releasing a new novel, my heart did a little dance. As a fan of his deeply human storytelling, I was eager to dive back into his world. With The River Is Waiting, his first novel in eight years and now a third Oprah Pick, Lamb has once again crafted a powerful narrative that feels almost painfully real. It’s the sort of book that grips you so tightly that you forget to breathe, making it impossible to put down.
At the center of the story is Corby Ledbetter, a new father whose life is turned upside down after he loses his job and spirals into addiction. As a stay-at-home dad to toddler twins, Corby navigates the complexities of parental responsibilities while grappling with his secret struggles. The path he takes is soon marred by an unspeakable tragedy that shatters not just his family but his very identity. Lamb masterfully transforms this gut-wrenching event into more than just a plot point—it becomes a catalyst for Corby’s journey toward redemption, making the title, The River Is Waiting, all the more poignant.
Lamb’s writing is both lyrical and incisive. His flair for poignant prose shines, especially as he juxtaposes the brutal realities of prison life with small moments of compassion and kindness—elements that are delicately woven throughout Corby’s tale. I found myself immersed in the stark contrast of Corby’s brutal experiences, like bullying from guards and fellow inmates, against the flickering hope offered by characters like Manny, his last cellmate, and Mrs. Millman, the compassionate librarian. These relationships provided a much-needed lifeline, teaching us that even in the darkest of places, there can be light.
What struck me most was how Lamb doesn’t shy away from exploring the uncomfortable truths of addiction and the systemic injustices of the prison system. His time working with incarcerated women shines through, offering an authentic lens that allows readers to grasp both the tragedies and the humanity of those behind bars. It’s this blend of darkness and humanity that makes his narrative resonate on multiple levels—this could truly happen to anyone, as Lamb so powerfully illustrates.
One particularly moving moment comes when Corby is offered the chance to design a mural in prison—a beautiful metaphor for how art can serve as a form of expression and healing. It made me reflect on the ways we all seek redemption, often through creative outlets, no matter our circumstances. The mural becomes a symbol of hope and connection, encapsulating the novel’s deeper themes of forgiveness and the complexity of familial love.
As the final pages turned, I was left contemplatively breathless. Lamb’s novel is not just a story about loss; it’s also a cautionary tale about the choices we make and how they shape our lives. It’s gripping, emotional, and often heartbreaking—a true testament to the endurance of the human spirit.
If you enjoy stories rich in emotional depth and strong character development, The River Is Waiting is a must-read. Fans of authors like John Irving, Ron Rash, and Joyce Carol Oates will find so much to appreciate here. This is a book that will surely linger long after reading, urging all of us to consider the rivers of redemption that wait for each of us.
In short, The River Is Waiting has firmly secured its place on my bookshelf as a modern classic—one that I am eager to revisit and share with others. It’s a journey worth taking, and I encourage you to wade in.
Special thanks to Simon Element | S&S/Marysue Rucci Books for providing an advanced copy via NetGalley. I’m truly honored to share my thoughts!
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