Samantha Harvey has claimed the prestigious 2024 Booker Prize for her novel Orbital. Spanning just 136 pages, it’s the second-shortest book ever to win the award and the first set in space.
Orbital follows six astronauts from different nations as they observe Earth from the International Space Station. The novel delves into themes of mourning, desire, and the climate crisis, offering a unique vantage point on humanity’s relationship with the planet.
This win marks a significant milestone for Harvey, whose debut novel The Wilderness was longlisted for the Booker 15 years ago. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the prize to those advocating for peace and the dignity of life on Earth.
Edmund de Waal, chair of the judges, called Orbital “a book about a wounded world.” He highlighted Harvey’s ability to make readers see the familiar in a new light with her lyrical prose.
This year’s Booker shortlist featured a historic five women among the six finalists, including Rachel Kushner, Anne Michaels, and Charlotte Wood. While Everett and Kushner were the favorites, Harvey’s Orbital emerged victorious.
Harvey described Orbital as a “space pastoral,” blending the awe of space exploration with the intimacy of nature writing. Her work offers a fresh take on humanity’s role in the cosmos, grounding sci-fi elements in realism.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 2024 Booker Prize and its impact on the literary world.
