A dive into the Space

Kamalika_Reads 27

Book: Orbital

Author: Samantha Harvey

Publishers: Atlantic Monthly Pr

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 3.5/5

How I came to know about this book:

This book was already creating a buzz after being shortlisted for The Booker Prize 2024. So when HWR Writer's Book Club chose it for the November read, I couldn't contain my excitement.

What the book is about :

Samantha Harvey’s 'Orbital' embarks on a journey through space with six astronauts and cosmonauts on a nine-month mission, aiming to unravel the inner workings of their minds as they drift far from Earth. 

What I have loved about the book :

The writing is undoubtedly the novel’s standout feature—elegant, contemplative, and filled with profound observations that invite readers to pause and ponder. Harvey crafts passages that evoke the quiet beauty of human thought and our intrinsic tether to Earth, even from the vast emptiness of space.

What I felt could have been better :

However, the book falls short in other aspects. Lacking a traditional plot, Orbital feels more like an introspective essay collection than a cohesive narrative. The absence of compelling story development makes the geographic details of the astronauts’ orbits repetitive, bordering on skippable, especially as the journey drags on. At just 136 pages, the book still feels overextended; a more concise version could enhance its impact. The setting—space—adds an initial allure, but the same psychological exploration could take place on a deserted island with a similar effect, revealing that the cosmic backdrop serves more as a decorative element than a narrative necessity.

Why one should read or not read this book:

'Orbital' would resonate more if marketed as creative non-fiction or a series of essays on human introspection and psychology rather than a traditional novel. While the writing is mesmerising, readers seeking a strong plot may find themselves drifting aimlessly through its pages.

The book is available on Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/6saWqOx

When a book carries the label of being shortlisted for an award, it often elevates reader expectations. This can create a paradox where, despite the book’s merit, readers approach it with a heightened sense of anticipation, making it more challenging for the book to surprise or surpass expectations. What are your thoughts on this? Comment below.

Edit: After I posted the review yesterday, the results of the Booker Prize came out and Orbital has emerged as the winner. Heartiest Congratulations to Harvey!