Book Review: Orbital by Samantha Harvey

Winner of the 2024 Booker Prize

Samantha Harvey’s Orbital is a quiet, contemplative novel that immerses readers in the vast stillness of space while reflecting on the depths of human existence. Set aboard the International Space Station, the novel follows six astronauts as they circle Earth every 92 minutes, experiencing a world both intimately close and impossibly distant. There’s no conventional plot to grip the reader—no sudden twists or dramatic stakes—but rather a series of fleeting thoughts, memories, and observations, all woven together in Harvey’s poetic prose.

I enjoyed Orbital, though I wouldn’t call it a compulsive page-turner. It took me a long time to finish—not just because I’ve been in the trenches of motherhood, juggling life with a toddler, but also because the book didn’t demand my attention in the way some novels do. I know that if it had been truly gripping, I would have carved out more time for it. That said, there were passages that absolutely mesmerized me, moments that felt profound and almost meditative. The way Harvey captures the contrast between the vastness of space and the small, everyday details of life on Earth is beautiful. Some sections left me in awe, making me pause and reflect on life, time, and our fragile place in the universe.

The characters, though not deeply individualized, are presented through their thoughts and actions rather than through conventional backstories. They feel like part of something larger—six individuals sharing an extraordinary experience, yet remaining tethered to their lives and emotions back on Earth. The novel is more about mood and philosophy than character arcs, which might not work for every reader, but I found it intriguing in its own way.

If you’re looking for a plot-driven, high-stakes space novel, Orbital isn’t that. But if you’re in the mood for something meditative, poetic, and quietly profound, it’s a book that offers a unique experience. While I didn’t find it gripping in the traditional sense, I appreciated its beauty and the way it made me think about life from a different perspective. ⭐⭐⭐⭐