British author Samantha Harvey has won the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel Orbital. Orbital is a poignant exploration of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The novel, which follows six astronauts over a single day and 16 sunrises and sunsets, was described as a “finely crafted meditation” on Earth, beauty, and human aspiration. Orbital was praised for its ambition and the depth of its themes, winning the unanimous approval of the judging panel.
Harvey’s win marks the first Booker victory for a woman in five years. She was previously longlisted in 2009 for her debut novel The Wilderness. Her fifth book Orbital has sold 29,000 copies in the UK since its publication last November.
Harvey admitted to doubting her ability to write about space and said she nearly gave up on the project. Her efforts were validated when astronaut Tim Peake praised her research and storytelling. The novel, which is 136 pages long, is the second-shortest book ever to win the prestigious award.
The 2024 Booker Prize was one of the most competitive in recent years, with Harvey’s Orbital competing against works by Rachel Kushner, Anne Michaels, Percival Everett, Yael van der Wouden, and Charlotte Wood. The £50,000 prize was awarded during a ceremony in London, where Harvey expressed her gratitude, dedicating her win to those who advocate for peace and the dignity of life.
