Set in the near future, the novel dives into themes of environmental degradation, artificial intelligence, and neocolonialism. Powers portrays a world where the last uncolonized frontier—the ocean—becomes a battleground for technological innovation and human ambition. As the characters' lives intersect on the island of Makatea, Powers examines the delicate balance between progress and preservation.
The novel begins with twelve-year-old Evie Beaulieu who sinks to the bottom of a Montreal swimming pool while strapped to one of the world’s first aqualungs. It symbolizes humanity's early desire to explore the underwater world. The story then shifts to Ina Aroita, a girl who grows up across naval bases in the Pacific and finds solace in art. Rafi Young and Todd Keane, two students at an elite high school in Chicago, developed a deep friendship despite their differing passions—literature for Rafi and technology for Todd. Their lives converge on this island as the launching pad for an ambitious project. The project represents a utopian dream and humanity’s continuing encroachment on nature. Makatea’s residents must vote on whether to support this futuristic endeavor or to protect their island from further colonization. The decision is far from simple as the island's fragile ecosystem, colonial history, and indigenous community create ethical and environmental complexity.
Throughout the novel, Powers examines the themes of technological utopia versus environmental preservation. Todd’s work in artificial intelligence embodies the allure of innovation while Rafi’s love for literature and humanity places him closer to the natural world. Meanwhile, Evie and Ina's connections to the ocean underscore the novel’s environmental message. As the vote draws near, the characters' personal stories merge with questions about the future of the planet, the role of technology, and humanity's responsibility to nature. This oceanic setting becomes a representation of the fragile state of the Earth that is vulnerable to human intervention and exploitation.
