Ella Cara Deloria

Ella Cara Deloria was a Yankton Dakota Sioux ethnologist, anthropologist, linguist, and novelist. She is known for her work documenting the languages and cultures of the Sioux and other Native American tribes.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Waterlily

    The book is a work of historical fiction that delves into the life and culture of the Dakota Sioux in the 19th century. It follows the story of a young girl named Waterlily, who is born into a loving family and grows up learning the traditions and social expectations of her tribe. Through her experiences, including family ties, friendship, and marriage, the novel paints a rich picture of the kinship networks that form the backbone of Sioux society. The narrative provides a detailed portrayal of the ceremonies and customs that define the Sioux way of life, emphasizing the importance of community and the intricate social etiquette that sustains it. Through Waterlily's journey to adulthood, the book offers a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the resilience of human connections in the face of change.

    The 11873rd Greatest Book of All Time
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