Playground

A Novel

By: Richard Powers

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Robin Siegerman, Eunice Wong, Pun Bandhu, Krys Janae, Kevin R Free

Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

A magisterial new novel from the Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times best-selling author of The Overstory and Bewilderment.

Four lives are drawn together in a sweeping, panoramic new novel from Richard Powers, showcasing the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Overstory at the height of his skills. Twelve-year-old Evie Beaulieu sinks to the bottom of a swimming pool in Montreal strapped to one of the world’s first aqualungs. Ina Aroita grows up in naval bases across the Pacific with art as her only home. Two polar opposites at an elite Chicago high school bond over a three-thousand-year-old board game; Rafi Young will get lost in literature, while Todd Keane’s work will lead to a startling AI breakthrough.

They meet on the history-scarred island of Makatea in French Polynesia, whose deposits of phosphorus once helped feed the world. Now the tiny atoll has been chosen for humanity’s next adventure: a plan to send floating, autonomous cities out onto the open sea. But first, the island’s residents must vote to greenlight the project or turn the seasteaders away.

Set in the world’s largest ocean, this awe-filled book explores that last wild place we have yet to colonize in a still-unfolding oceanic game, and interweaves beautiful writing, rich characterization, profound themes of technology and the environment, and a deep exploration of our shared humanity in a way only Richard Powers can.

©2024 Richard Powers (P)2024 Spotify Audiobooks

Expertly done

My first Richard Powers novel. It lived up to the hype. Great narration as well. I think this would appeal to a lot of people. The beginning was difficult to get into but stick with it. Very worth it.

we must value our oceans

very interesting. the development of a.i. and our addiction to tech/phones/games is depressing. the descriptions of our oceans and the life/complex relationships within are breath taking. may we turn profound reverance into ACTION to protect what is left.

Pretty good, with flashes of brilliance

I enjoyed this book, though I felt the beginning chapters were a little long and the development of the characters overdone in view of the climax. There is an undersea diver character who writes a book about her experiences - this was my favorite part, conveying the awe and wonder of the ocean. All in all, it was a good listen but not a great one.

Brilliant!

Audible is asking that my review be at least 15 words… But I am sitting here speechless, having just listened to the final words. All I can say is this novel is simply brilliant!

Just stunning and thought provoking

Loved every chapter as it moved me want more every day. Thank you for my inspiration to see the poetry of the world.

Put your thinking cap on!

Many relevant topics woven into a thought provoking story across recent history and rapidly ascending future. Especially touching to those who have more than 10 years of scuba diving experience and those who wonder about a future with AI.

Another amazing title by Powers

Magical and haunting the story unfolds. The language, the plot, the love for our planet are all there in incredible beauty

An outstanding ending

This novel intertwines human friendships, hopes, and hurts with wonderful explanations of the ocean, racial tensions, artificial intelligence, and future challenges. I listened to it twice, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What a tremendous story

I loved the book itself. As a diver and a marine conservationist, there was no question that I needed to read it. The book is fantastic. The story amazing. The writing makes me feel like I am under the ocean.

I didn’t care for the readers of the book. For some, the inflections seemed off and almost comical. I found that very distracting. In the beginning, it almost made me stop reading the book. I persevered simply because of the topic, and I’m so glad that I did.

Stunning as always

Wonderful new powers book, same reader as bewilderment with some new voices. Great listen and important story.