34 pages • 1 hour read
Ella Cara DeloriaWaterlily
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
15-18yearsLexile Level
990L