Playground, A Novel By Richard Powers

In The Seasteaders, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Powers weaves a sweeping narrative that intertwines the lives of four diverse characters against the backdrop of an ambitious ecological project. Twelve-year-old Evie Beaulieu finds herself at the bottom of a Montreal swimming pool, tethered to one of the world's first aqualungs, embodying both the innocence and potential of exploration. Meanwhile, Ina Aroita navigates her childhood across Pacific naval bases, with art as her sanctuary amid constant upheaval. At an elite Chicago high school, Rafi Young and Todd Keane, two polar opposites, connect over a centuries-old board game that sparks their ambitions—literature for Rafi and groundbreaking advancements in AI for Todd.

Their fates converge on Makatea, a history-laden island in French Polynesia, where the struggle between tradition and progress unfolds. Once a source of phosphorus that fed the world, the island now faces a pivotal decision: whether to embrace humanity’s next chapter by approving the creation of floating autonomous cities or to preserve their way of life and reject the seasteaders.

Through rich characterization and lyrical prose, Powers delves into profound themes of technology, environmental stewardship, and the essence of human connection. As these four individuals grapple with their intertwined destinies, The Seasteaders offers a captivating exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature and the delicate balance we must maintain in our quest for progress. This novel promises to resonate deeply with readers, leaving them pondering the future of our world and our place within it. 📚❤️