57 pages • 1 hour read
The Seed Keeper
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Book Brief
372
Novel • Fiction
Minnesota • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson follows Rosalie Iron Wing, a Dakhóta woman taken into foster care at age 12 after her father's death. As an adult, she marries a farmer and tries to pass on Dakhóta culture to her son amidst economic struggles. After her husband's death, Rosalie returns to her ancestral cabin to reconnect with her heritage and finds solace and strength in her community and ancestral seeds. This book references extreme violence, including rape and genocide.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
19,894 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Diane Wilson's novel The Seed Keeper has garnered praise for its poetic prose, compelling narrative, and rich cultural insights. Reviewers commend its exploration of Indigenous heritage and resilience. Some critiques note a slow pacing and dense information. Overall, it is lauded for its emotional depth and historical significance, despite minor structural drawbacks.
Who Should Read The Seed Keeper?
Readers who appreciate The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson are typically drawn to stories that explore themes of cultural heritage, resilience, and indigenous history. Fans of Louise Erdrich’s The Round House or Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass will find Wilson's narrative compelling and enriching.
19,894 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gaby Makespeace
Gaby Makespeace
Rosalie's best friend, energetic and outspoken, with aspirations to become a lawyer and protect her community, often serving as a lively counterpart to Rosalie's calm demeanor.
John Meister
John Meister
A quiet and observant man, who becomes close to Rosalie, characterized by his broad shoulders and John Deere cap, highlighting his hard-working nature and desire to fit in.
Wakpá / Thomas Meister
Wakpá / Thomas Meister
Rosalie and John's son, who is initially connected to his mother's Dakhóta culture through her teachings but is influenced by his father, reflecting the tension between his heritage and his desire for acceptance.
372
Novel • Fiction
Minnesota • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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