A review by juleslutch
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

It has been a few decades since I read a Wally Lamb book and from how I remember the impact of his early books like It’s Come Undone was amplified and very personal in his newest book. 

Most of the book takes place within the walls of a modern day penitentiary following the thoughts and doings of main character & inmate Corby. The book deals with many dark corners of humanity from mental health, childhood trauma, police brutality, colonialism, rape and substance abuse. This also dives into very complex and complicated relationships.

It’s a hard, heavy read with small glimmers of beauty and hope seen throughout. 

I closed this book and its last page with tears in my eyes- feeling humbled and a little numb. 

This one will linger for a long time. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Murder, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Deportation