The Seed Keeper

The best book I've read all year, maybe the last 5 years. I don't have words beyond that.

A difficult start: be prepared to feel lost for the first thirty-forty pages, to flip back and reread a few times. Stick with it: it grows ever more moving and graceful. (Also a little clumsy at times, a tad heavyhanded and preachy. Again, persevere, you'll be rewarded.)The story nominally centers around Rosalie Iron Wing, an adult Dakhóta woman in present-day Minnesota, but I can't say for sure that she was the main character. Do you remember that 1982 film, [b:Koyaanisqatsi 58439784 Koyaanisqatsi - Life Out of Balance Philip Glass https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1624812296l/58439784.SX50.jpg 91710952], the one with the haunting Philip Glass soundtrack? I think Koyaanisqatsi—Hopi for “life out of balance”—is the main character; everyone else, Rosalie included, is a minor (but not powerless!) player trapped in its orbit. Some aware of it and fighting for balance; others helping to tip the scales. Like in the film, the pace is slow and unrelenting. Unlike the film, the book is filled with determination, resilience, and growth.Most of you won't know the film. It's not important. What matters is that Wilson has crafted a powerful tale blending grief, strength, wisdom, and hope. Exquisitely written, filled with breathtaking sentences. I can't quite justify five stars, and I'm deeply sorry for that, but please consider adding this to your must-read list.[ Let's see if Goodreads allows me to link to the film: https://watchdocumentaries.com/koyaanisqatsi/ ]

The Seed Keeper is one of those stories that hits you hard, then sticks with you long after you've read it. It was haunting and heartbreaking and beautiful and hopeful and it just swept me away.

Rosalie's story is interwoven with her ancestors' stories, and they were all just as compelling as hers. I fell into them so naturally – there was no awkwardness in switching stories. Every story was immersive and told with the same passion. I couldn't help wanting to read more of every storyline.

This book is easily headed to my all-time favorites shelf. 5 stars.

Read my full review here: https://literaryquicksand.com/2021/12/review-the-seed-keeper-by-diane-wilson/