I read other reviews of “the river is waiting” by Wally Lamb and found many of them to be shortsighted. Lamb’s descriptions of jail life are excruciating and real. I know - I’ve been there, and he graphically describes it. As a matter of fact I felt like I was back in prison while reading it.
What I agree with is the heart-wrenching ending is too abrupt and unreal. Corby was too smart to have his life end that way. And the way he was denied his release was a little far-fetched
