Samantha Harvey’s latest novel, Orbital, captures the awe of Earth as seen from space, earning her the 2024 Booker Prize. This 136-page masterpiece, written during the COVID-19 lockdown, unfolds over a single day aboard the International Space Station, drawing readers into a profound reflection on humanity’s fragility and interconnectedness.
A Novel Born From Lockdown Isolation
Written while the world grappled with the constraints of the pandemic, Harvey drew inspiration from footage of Earth in low orbit. “The experience of my six characters ‘trapped in a tin can’ mirrored the sense of isolation many felt during lockdown,” she explained. This connection between the astronauts’ journey and humanity’s shared challenges gave Orbital its emotional resonance.
A Record-Breaking Bestseller
Orbital not only captivated readers but also broke records. As the top-selling book on the 2024 Booker Prize shortlist, it has sold more copies than the last three winners combined. Readers were enchanted by Harvey’s vivid depiction of Earth’s beauty, witnessing through her words the stunning phenomena of sixteen sunrises and sunsets within a single day.
Acclaimed for Its Unique Perspective
The judges were unanimous in their praise for Orbital. Edmund de Waal, chair of the 2024 judges, said, “Everyone and no one is the subject. With her language of lyricism and acuity, Harvey makes our world strange and new for us.” This ability to render the familiar extraordinary was key to the novel’s success.
Following in Prestigious Footsteps
Winning the Booker Prize places Harvey alongside literary giants like Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, and Yann Martel. The prize, now in its 55th year, honors outstanding works of fiction written in English. Harvey’s achievement cements her legacy as one of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary writers.
Looking to the Future
Harvey’s win comes with a £50,000 prize, which she told the BBC she plans to spend on a new bike. Beyond the monetary reward, the Booker Prize win ensures that Orbital will remain a touchstone for readers seeking stories that combine artistry with profound insights into the human experience. Samantha Harvey’s Orbital reminds us of the beauty and fragility of our world. As readers turn its pages, they’ll continue to see the planet—and themselves—through new eyes.
