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34 pages 1 hour read

Ella Cara Deloria

Waterlily

Ella Cara DeloriaFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

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Book Brief

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Ella Cara Deloria

Waterlily

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

296

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dakota Territory • 19th Century

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

990L

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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

4.3

2,268 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.3

2,268 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

296

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dakota Territory • 19th Century

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

990L

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