Book Review: Orbital by Samantha Harvey
As I sat down to read Orbital, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was about to embark on a journey not just through space, but through the very essence of what makes us human. Samantha Harvey, already a recognized talent with the Betty Trask Prize, has woven a narrative that won the 2024 Booker Prize—and now I understand why.
Orbital follows six astronauts and cosmonauts from across the globe as they circle Earth at breakneck speeds, gazing down at their home while grappling with their own emotional turbulence. This isn’t a story driven by action; rather, it’s a profound meditation on existence, connection, and the fragility of our planet. Each character—American, Russian, Italian, British, and Japanese—carries their own burdens, and through brief communications and memorabilia, we get a window into their lives, their regrets, and the anxious isolation of being aloft and disconnected from home.
Harvey’s writing is absolutely ravishing. The prose flows like the endless stretches of space that surround her characters—lyrical and expansive, it pulls you in. Lines like, “From the space station’s distance, mankind is a creature that comes out only at night,” resonate deeply. I found myself reflecting on the beauty and sadness of our planet, perched on the edge of something vast and unknown. The narrative is filled with evocative descriptions that feel almost poetic, inviting readers not just to absorb the story, but to feel it.
That said, pacing is a double-edged sword. Some readers, as I discovered from the reviews, found the narrative’s lack of a traditional plot a bit tedious. The book is more like a series of snapshots—moments of joy, despair, and contemplation—structured in a way that feels less like a fast-paced thriller and more like a slow dance with thought. I personally appreciated this approach, relishing in the quiet rhythms of life aboard the ISS. Harvey’s exploration of existential themes, peppered with intrigue surrounding climate change and human connection, kept me captivated.
One memorable moment involves an astronaut named Shaun bringing a postcard of Las Meninas to space, representing a connection to his past and a nod to human creativity. This small detail perfectly encapsulates the intimate, human elements that run throughout the book—reminders of what we leave behind in pursuit of exploration.
In the end, Orbital invites us all to ponder the big questions: What is our place in the universe? How do we maintain our connections despite the vast distances that separate us? I believe this book will resonate with readers who enjoy contemplative narratives that explore the human condition, as well as those who cherish exquisite prose and philosophical musings.
For anyone looking for a story that combines the awe of space exploration with the intricate web of human emotion, Orbital is a brilliant choice. It challenged my perceptions and left me with a sense of wonder that I didn’t quite expect. I highly recommend it, not only as a compelling read but as an invitation to reflect upon our own smallness within the cosmic tapestry.
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