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BECHS History Book ClubThe Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
July - September 2025
A haunting novel spanning several generations, The Seed Keeper follows a Dakhóta family’s struggle to preserve their way of life, and their sacrifices to protect what matters most.
Rosalie Iron Wing has grown up in the woods with her father, Ray, a former science teacher who tells her stories of plants, of the stars, of the origins of the Dakhóta people. Until, one morning, Ray doesn’t return from checking his traps. Told she has no family, Rosalie is sent to live with a foster family in nearby Mankato—where the reserved, bookish teenager meets rebellious Gaby Makespeace, in a friendship that transcends the damaged legacies they’ve inherited.
On a winter’s day many years later, Rosalie returns to her childhood home. A widow and mother, she has spent the previous two decades on her white husband’s farm, finding solace in her garden even as the farm is threatened first by drought and then by a predatory chemical company. Now, grieving, Rosalie begins to confront the past, on a search for family, identity, and a community where she can finally belong. In the process, she learns what it means to be descended from women with souls of iron—women who have protected their families, their traditions, and a precious cache of seeds through generations of hardship and loss, through war and the insidious trauma of boarding schools.
Weaving together the voices of four indelible women, The Seed Keeper is a beautifully told story of reawakening, of remembering our original relationship to the seeds and, through them, to our ancestors.
BECHS History Book Club Sessions: The Seed Keeper
July 19, 1 p.m. – At this first session, books will be available to pick up. In addition, the group will be introduced to the History Book Club format, and historical context about the book’s setting, and address any questions participants may have. Pre-register now to ensure there's a book waiting for you; [email protected] or call 507-345-5566.
August 16, 1 p.m. – Special guest presenter - The Living Earth Center
September 20, 1 p.m. –Group book discussion with prepared Q & A.
The Blue Earth County Historical Society is excited to offer the new BECHS History Book Club. The new quarterly book club goes beyond a classic group book read and discussion. Over three months, while participants read the book, additional monthly sessions will include a discussion of the book’s setting and social history, a special presentation on a related historical topic, and conclude with a group book discussion.
The BECHS History Book Club is $50 which includes a paperback copy of the book, admission to the speaker, and group book discussion, refreshments and a small gift for completing the activities. ($60 value!) All programs will be held at the History Center or virtually if winter weather is a concern.
Already have a copy of the book but what to come to the speaker or just the book discussion? Individual programs are $10 each.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
424 Warren Street, Mankato, MN, United States, Minnesota 56001
