logo

48 pages 1 hour read

Keeper'n Me

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Richard Wagamese

Keeper'n Me

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern Ontario • 1990s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Keeper’n Me by Richard Wagamese chronicles the journey of Garnet Raven, an Ojibwe man who was taken from his family as a child and placed in foster care by Canadian authorities. Twenty years later, his family locates him, prompting Garnet's return to the White Dog reserve where he rediscovers his roots, culture, and identity, guided by an elder named Keeper. This book addresses racism, colonialism, and alcohol addiction.

Inspirational

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Hopeful

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

2,597 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Richard Wagamese's Keeper'n Me is praised for its powerful storytelling and deep exploration of identity and Indigenous culture. The narrative is lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity, though some readers find its pacing uneven. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its poignant depiction of personal growth and cultural reconnection.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Keeper'n Me?

Readers who cherish stories of Indigenous identity, personal growth, and cultural reconnection will enjoy Keeper'n Me by Richard Wagamese. Comparable to There There by Tommy Orange and The Round House by Louise Erdrich, it appeals to fans of profound, character-driven narratives deeply rooted in Native American experiences.

4.3

2,597 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Garnet Raven

The protagonist and main narrator who was taken from his Ojibwe family at a young age and placed into foster care, Garnet struggles with his identity before returning to his community to reconnect with his heritage.

An elder Ojibwe man who becomes Garnet's guide, sharing stories and cultural teachings to help Garnet reclaim his identity and understand the traditions of his people.

Garnet's mother, who experiences the pain of being separated from her children and plays a crucial role in helping Garnet connect with his cultural roots and family tradition.

Garnet’s brother, known for his intense and sometimes turbulent demeanor, who remains connected to Ojibwe values and struggles with his brother’s return and their differing experiences.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern Ontario • 1990s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.