I have been trying to figure out how to write about this book since I finished it a few days ago. While I was reading the book, I was heavily invested, especially in the fate of Makatea. I was sure the book was going to be five stars. The ending disappointed me, but I'm not one to let a somewhat weak ending get in the way of an otherwise strong book, so I initially rated this book 4.75/5. But the longer I think about the book, the more I question it. The ending was disappointing for being a little too trite, but the more I think about that triteness, the more I wonder if that is in fact the perfect ending for a pretty but trite book that relies on a level of emotional manipulation rather than world-building or character development. Was this why I was so invested initially? Did I just let myself get swept away by the melodrama? Perhaps, since I greatly enjoyed The Overstory, I just wanted Powers's most recent book to have the same magic. Playground tries to capture some of that magic, but ultimately it fails. I'm not saying this is a bad book; I still gave the book 3.25/5 stars. However it does not succeed in being a nuanced critique or exploration of any of the themes or issues it touches on. Rafi's experience as a black man is gestured to, but never explored; the fate of Makatea is hinted at it, but never stated; Evelynne's life is left as this bittersweet tragedy for no obvious reason. And perhaps the most offensively of all the story is left, primarily, in the hands of a white billionaire. The ending is so deeply ambivalent to ultimately say nothing. It is a beautiful book about the ocean and relationships, but it is not a book that says much.