British author Samantha Harvey has won the 2024 Booker Prize with her remarkably concise yet impactful novel, Orbital. At just 136 pages, it is the second-shortest book to ever receive the Booker, but it delivers a powerful emotional and philosophical experience as it follows six astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Harvey’s narrative unfolds over a single day in space, exploring the characters’ inner thoughts as they gaze at Earth, reflect on loss, and grapple with the consequences of the climate crisis.
The story shifts between the viewpoints of astronauts from Japan, Russia, the United States, Britain, and Italy, resonating with a profound depth as they ponder humanity’s connection to Earth. Through their journeys, Harvey addresses universal themes of grief, longing, and the pressing need for environmental awareness.
The Booker Prize, known for catapulting authors to international recognition, offers its winner a cash prize of £50,000 ($64,000). Orbital joins the prestigious company of previous Booker laureates like Margaret Atwood, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Julian Barnes, solidifying Harvey’s status among literary luminaries.
Since its inception in 1969, the Booker Prize has ignited literary discussions and launched significant careers, and with Orbital, Harvey has further enriched the tradition of celebrating works that challenge conventions and explore new dimensions—both literally and metaphorically.
