In a stunning victory, British author Samantha Harvey captured the prestigious Booker Prize for fiction on November 12 with her enchanting novel, *Orbital*. Set aboard the International Space Station, this thought-provoking work explores the intricate beauty and fragility of our planet through the eyes of six astronauts, who are confined together in the vastness of space.

Harvey, who began crafting the novel during the COVID-19 lockdowns, was awarded £50,000 (approximately $64,000) for what she describes as a 'space pastoral.' The narrative unfolds over a single day, marked by the rhythm of 16 sunrises and sunsets, as the characters grapple with their close quarters and the mesmerizing views of Earth.

“To see the Earth from space is akin to a child gazing into a mirror and recognizing herself for the first time,” Harvey reflected during her acceptance speech. She immersed herself in research for the novel, reading accounts from astronauts and watching live feeds from the space station. In her words, 'What we do to the Earth, we do to ourselves.' While not a direct commentary on climate change, she subtly entwines the reality of human impact on the environment within the story’s fabric.

Harvey dedicated the Booker Prize to advocates for the planet and human dignity, saying, 'All the people who speak for and call for peace – this is for you.' Her heartfelt message resonated deeply in a world grappling with numerous crises.

Edmund de Waal, chair of the five-member judging panel, hailed *Orbital* as a 'miraculous novel' that redefines our perceptions of the world. Gaby Wood, chief executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, noted the book's poignant relevance amidst a year marked by geopolitical turmoil and climate challenges, calling it 'hopeful, timely, and timeless.'

This win marks Harvey as the first British author to take home the Booker since 2020, adding to the legacy of the award that has previously honored literary giants such as Ian McEwan, Margaret Atwood, and Salman Rushdie. With only 136 pages in its UK paperback edition, *Orbital* stands as one of the shortest novels ever to receive the Booker Prize yet promises a rich experience that invites deliberate reading.

The judging committee engaged in thorough deliberations, spending an entire day to reach a unanimous agreement. Harvey triumphantly surpassed five notable finalists, including American Percival Everett's *James*, which uniquely retells Mark Twain’s *Huckleberry Finn* from Jim's perspective, and Anne Michaels’ poetic exploration, *Held*.

Furthermore, the representation of women in this year’s shortlist was remarkable, with Harvey becoming the first female winner since 2019, amid a record five women nominated. De Waal emphasized that the focus was purely on the quality of the narratives, dismissing any notions of box-ticking regarding gender or nationality.

Founded in 1969, the Booker Prize celebrates outstanding works originally written in English and published in the UK or Ireland. Last year’s accolade went to Irish author Paul Lynch for *Prophet Song*, a dystopian narrative reflecting post-democratic narratives.

As she accepted her golden trophy from Lynch, Harvey expressed feelings of overwhelming joy and readiness for the upcoming change this recognition would bring. She humorously recounted her intentions for the prize money: 'Some of it is going to tax, I want to buy a new bike, and then I want to go to Japan!'

With *Orbital*, Samantha Harvey not only garners accolades but also embarks on a new chapter in her literary journey—one that seeks to inspire readers to ponder their place in the cosmos while cherishing the Earth beneath their feet.