British author Samantha Harvey has made waves with her latest novel, Orbital, which recently won the prestigious Booker Prize for fiction. Unveiled on Tuesday, this 136-page literary gem takes readers aboard the International Space Station, where six astronauts experience life and spotlight significant global issues over the span of just one day.
Set against the backdrop of Earth viewed from space, Orbital weaves the experiences of two men and four women hailing from diverse countries including Japan, Russia, the United States, Britain, and Italy. They are united by their extraordinary vantage point, observing not only the beauty of their shared planet but also the environmental crises ravaging it. The novel compellingly depicts the unsettling reality of watching as Category 4 typhoons strike the Philippines, reminding the crew—and readers—of the pressing climate crisis.
Harvey’s portrayal of the astronauts is poignant, likening them to “fortune tellers who can see and tell the future but do nothing to change or stop it.” This metaphor captures the essence of the narrative, prompting readers to reflect on the human tendency to understand crises without effectively combatting them. Upon the announcement of her victory, Harvey's remarks echoed her astonishment: “I was not expecting this,” highlighting how the honor was both surprising and overwhelming.
The Booker Prize, valued at £50,000 (approximately US$63,700), has been instrumental over the years in catapulting authors to international fame, sparking literary careers, and even igniting controversies since its inception back in 1969. Harvey's triumph marks her the first female recipient since Margaret Atwood’s win for The Testaments alongside Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other. This year's shortlist featured five female authors, including Rachel Kushner, Anne Michaels, Yael van der Wouden, and Charlotte Wood, with Percival Everett as the only male finalist for his novel James, which offers a retelling of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved character.
Reflecting on the judges' decision, Edmund de Waal, chair of the judging panel, praised Orbital’s ambition and unique narrative style. He aptly summed up the book’s perspective: “Everyone and no one is the subject,” illustrating how the astronauts' observations transcend geographical and temporal boundaries. De Waal’s observations extended to the lyrical quality of Harvey’s writing, describing how she makes “our world strange and new.”
The 49-year-old author, recognized for her first novel, The Wilderness, fifteen years ago which was longlisted for the Booker, expressed gratitude through her acceptance speech—a heartfelt dedication to those who advocate for peace and environmental sustainability. Harvey said, “This award goes to everybody who does speak for and not against the Earth; for and not against the dignity of other humans, other life.” This sentiment resonates deeply not only within the narrative but mirrors the current climate debates dominating the global stage.
Harvey's Orbital stands out as the second-shortest novel to snag the Booker Prize and makes history as the first to be set entirely in space. This unique setting lends itself well to exploring existential themes, including the fragility of life and the interconnectivity of humanity against natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. With the growing severity of climate-related events around the globe, it’s no wonder this novel struck such a chord within contemporary discourse, especially as 2024 has been noted as likely becoming the hottest year on record.
The Booker Prize is open to works of fiction from any author of any nationality, provided they have been published in the UK or Ireland from October 1 the previous year up until September 30 of the award year. Harvey’s accomplishment not only brings her literary career full circle but also highlights the indispensable role of women writers within the sphere of contemporary literature.
Overall, Harvey’s victory brings more attention not only to her remarkable narrative ability but also to the pressing issues she addresses within it. By choosing to depict climate change through the lens of six astronauts observing Earth from high above, Harvey invokes compelling conversations around our responsibilities toward our planet. Her achievements are not merely personal victories; they resonate with those advocating for environmental urgency and social responsibility. Orbital serves as both artistic expression and a stark reminder of our shared global fate—a view of Earth from space, yes, but one urging action within the confines of its pages.
