British author Samantha Harvey has made literary history by winning the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel Orbital. This groundbreaking work is notable for being the first space-themed book to receive this prestigious award, capturing the imagination of readers and critics alike.
Orbital offers a unique perspective on life in space, following the experiences of six astronauts aboard the International Space Station. It has emerged as the best-selling book on this year’s shortlist in the UK, surpassing the sales of the last three Booker winners combined prior to their recognition.
Harvey’s achievement marks a significant moment in literary awards, as she becomes the first female winner since 2019. The announcement was made during a ceremony at London’s Old Billingsgate, where she received a cash prize of £50,000.
Edmund de Waal, chair of the judging panel, described Orbital as a poignant exploration of a “wounded world.” He emphasized the judges' appreciation for its “beauty and ambition” and commended Harvey’s “language of lyricism.” In her own words, Harvey envisioned Orbital as a space pastoral, drawing parallels between nature writing and the breathtaking beauty of outer space.
The novel spans just 136 pages, making it the second-shortest work to win this award. It unfolds over a single day in which astronauts witness 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets, reflecting on Earth’s diverse landscapes—glaciers, deserts, mountains, and oceans—as they orbit above.
Writing during successive lockdowns, Harvey found personal resonance in her narrative about individuals confined within a space capsule. She expressed that this experience echoed her own feelings of isolation during the pandemic. Despite facing a “crisis of confidence” that nearly led her to abandon the project, she persevered and ultimately delivered a compelling story without ever having ventured into space herself.
This year’s Booker Prize shortlist featured an unprecedented five women among its six nominees, highlighting a significant moment in its 55-year history. The award remains open to works of fiction written in English from authors worldwide, published within the UK or Ireland.
With past winners including literary giants like Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, Orbital not only elevates Harvey’s career but also sets an exciting precedent for future narratives exploring our universe through innovative lenses. As literature continues to evolve, readers can look forward to more groundbreaking works that challenge conventional storytelling boundaries.
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