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.

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.

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.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Emotional

- Diane Wilson is a celebrated author and environmentalist, and she was awarded the Minnesota Book Award for Memoir & Creative Nonfiction for her book Spirit Car: Journey to a Dakota Past.
- The Seed Keeper draws on Wilson’s heritage as a member of the Dakota tribe, incorporating elements of indigenous plant culture and seed-saving traditions.
- In addition to her writing, Diane Wilson serves as the Executive Director of the Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance, which aligns with the themes of sustainability and cultural preservation found in her work.

**Rosalie Iron Wing**  
A tall Dakhóta woman and the protagonist, raised by her father in a rustic cabin, known for her quiet, bookish nature and resourcefulness, symbolized by her father's rabbit fur hunting cap.

**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**  
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**  
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.

Diane Wilson

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Overview

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The Seed Keeper Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Seed Keeper Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue and Part 1

Prologue and Part 1, Chapters 1-4

The Seed Keeper Prologue and Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Dormancy: A Seed Dreams”

Part 2, Chapters 5-12

The Seed Keeper Part 2, Chapters 5-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Germination: A Seed Awakens”

Part 3, Chapters 13-20

The Seed Keeper Part 3, Chapters 13-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Pollination: And the Corn Said Know Me”

Part 4, Chapters 21-27

The Seed Keeper Part 4, Chapters 21-27 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Wačhékiye: The Earth Hears Me”

Part 5, Chapters 28-36

The Seed Keeper Part 5, Chapters 28-36 Summary & Analysis

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The Seed Keeper Character Analysis

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Themes

The Seed Keeper Themes

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The Seed Keeper Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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The Seed Keeper

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