Orbital

Orbital follows six people aboard the International Space Station over the course of a single day. As the station circles Earth, their work and observations bring oceans, weather systems and continents into view. Distance does not sever their ties to home: family news and concern for people below remain part of their lives.

Samantha Harvey uses this setting to consider human dependence on the planet and the vulnerability of life upon it. The emphasis is on attention, language and changing perspectives rather than a conventional adventure plot. Published in 2023, the novel won the 2024 Booker Prize.

Its brief time span contains both the practical routine of space travel and reflection on humanity’s place on Earth.