Playground: A Novel By Richard Powers

In Richard Powers’ sweeping new novel, four lives converge against the backdrop of the vast Pacific Ocean and the historically rich island of Makatea in French Polynesia. Twelve-year-old Evie Beaulieu takes the plunge into the depths of a Montreal swimming pool, testing one of the world’s first aqualungs, while Ina Aroita finds solace in art as she navigates a childhood spent on naval bases across the Pacific. At an elite Chicago high school, opposites Rafi Young and Todd Keane bond over a three-thousand-year-old board game, with Rafi immersing himself in literature and Todd on the brink of a groundbreaking AI discovery.

As their paths intersect on Makatea, the island faces a pivotal moment: a proposal to build floating, autonomous cities on the ocean, promising a new frontier for humanity. The island's residents must decide whether to embrace this ambitious venture or reject it, knowing that their choice could alter the course of their home and the environment.

Powers masterfully weaves together themes of technology, ecological stewardship, and the complex nature of human connections. This awe-inspiring narrative explores the last untouched frontiers of our world and delves into the moral dilemmas of progress and innovation. With his signature lyrical prose and deep characterization, Powers invites readers to reflect on what it means to coexist with nature and each other in an age of rapid change. This novel is not just a tale of individuals but a profound meditation on our shared humanity and the future of our planet.