34 pages • 1 hour read
Waterlily
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
296
Novel • Fiction
Dakota Territory • 19th Century
1988
Adult
15-18 years
990L
Super Short Summary
Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria follows the lives of Blue Bird and her daughter Waterlily within the Dakota camp circle called White Ghost. After being separated from her original circle, Blue Bird marries Star Elk, who later abandons her. She returns to White Ghost, marries Rainbow, and raises Waterlily, who grows up observing Dakota social roles and rituals. Waterlily marries Sacred Horse, deals with loss, and eventually remarries Lowanla, embracing her roles within her community. The book contains depictions of smallpox and loss of loved ones due to disease and conflict.
Informative
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Heartwarming
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
2,268 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria offers a rich portrayal of Dakota Sioux life. Reviewers praise its authentic representation and strong cultural insights. Some feel its narrative is slow-paced and lacks dramatic tension, but many appreciate the intimate look at identity and tradition. Overall, it's valued for its educational and cultural significance.
Who Should Read Waterlily?
Readers who enjoy exploring Indigenous cultures and historical narratives, akin to those captivated by Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee or Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine, will find Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria insightful. The novel provides rich insights into Lakota life, tradition, and spirituality, appealing to history and anthropology enthusiasts.
2,268 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Blue Bird
Blue Bird
Waterlily’s mother, who is respected and industrious, emphasizing kinship values after facing personal loss and remarrying this time to Rainbow.
Gloku
Gloku
An experienced and popular tutor within the tiyospaye, she plays a significant role in educating her grandchildren, including Waterlily.
Rainbow
Rainbow
Blue Bird’s second husband, known for his competence and protective nature, serving as an exemplary father figure in the family.
Little Chief
Little Chief
Rainbow’s son from a previous marriage, who shares a close sibling-like bond with Waterlily during childhood before joining a hunting party as he matures.
Sacred Horse
Sacred Horse
Waterlily’s first husband, whose marriage to her is initiated by the transfer of two horses laden with gifts to her tipi.
Lowanla
Lowanla
Waterlily’s second husband, first noticed by her at a Sun Dance ritual, known for his appearance and the role he later plays in her life.
Killed-by-Tree
Killed-by-Tree
Blue Bird’s grandmother who shares perilous journeys with her, representing an older generation with her own struggles and eventual return to their original camp circle.
296
Novel • Fiction
Dakota Territory • 19th Century
1988
Adult
15-18 years
990L
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.