Samantha Harvey's 2023 novel Orbital captured widespread acclaim upon its release, culminating in a Booker Prize win that solidified its reputation as a literary triumph. After months of anticipation, I finally moved it to the top of my TBR list and was immediately intrigued by its simple premise. With Orbital, Harvey ambitiously attempts to tackle profound questions about life, humanity, and our place in the cosmos.
The novel follows six astronauts aboard a spacecraft orbiting high above Earth. Hailing from different countries, they are united by their mission to advance scientific understanding, yet their shared humanity binds them in unexpected ways. Over 24 hours, they circle the planet 16 times, marveling at its beauty while grappling with the emotional gravity of the lives they’ve left behind. When news of a crewmate’s mother's death reaches them, it triggers a cascade of reflections about loss, connection, and the fragility of human existence. As they drift in the vast expanse of space, the astronauts are drawn back to Earth—not just as a home but as a fragile, irreplaceable entity.
In Christopher Nolan's Interstellar, there's a scene where the protagonist returns to his ship after spending hours on a planet where time moves much faster than on Earth. Though only a brief time has passed for him, decades have passed back home, and he's hit with the emotional weight of realizing that life has moved on without him. This poignant moment, both unsettling and thought-provoking, serves as a catalyst for deeper contemplation. It’s a feeling I anticipated as I began reading Orbital. Harvey crafts an intriguing premise, aiming to explore humanity's place in the vast cosmos. However, the concept behind the novel feels more impactful than the execution itself. Without a solid character or plot to anchor the reader, the story becomes a collection of abstract reflections on human frailty, punctuated by long descriptions of Earth below. While the writing had moments of brilliance, I could not fully connect with it. It’s a bold attempt at something profound, but in the end, it didn’t resonate with me.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2025, 5)
It's an interesting concept, but I have to admit, I prefer books that are less contemplative and a little more compelling. So I probably won't be reading this one. But I loved reading your review of it.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand. This one captured my curiosity, but ultimately, it didn't come together for me.
DeleteToo bad it wasn't really a good one for you because it started out sounding like it could be a good read.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the concept really hooked me, but it just didn't come together.
DeleteFirst, I love that cover - too bad it didn't totally work for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm listening to a book now (The Life Impossible) that's giving me similar feelings. It's good, I like it but I don't think I feel the profoundness that the author intended. I have 3 hours left so maybe it will hit me lol
Oof, I didn't love that one either. There was just so much going on that felt forced for me. I hope you end up liking it better!
DeleteI'm like you - I tend to need more of a plot (and a bit of action) to drive the philosophical subtext home. Even in "literary fiction" (I hate the label, but let's use it, for the sake of discussion) the bones of a story must be there.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more
DeleteI was intrigued by this, but another reviewer shared your sentiment about the disconnect without a main character grounding. Great review.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It was a bummer for sure because I really wanted to love it. There was just nothing to ground things together.
DeleteIt's always hard when you can't connect with a character and the plot leaves you wanting more. Inception is a movie I've heard really great things about as well, but don't think I want to undergo that emotional turmoil. Sorry this one wasn't better for you!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Thanks to your comment, I realized that the film I wanted to reference was Interstellar. Still, Inception is excellent, too, haha.
DeleteI have heard mixed things about this book, and you did a great job explaining why it didn't work for you. I know those things would bother me as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think it is important to fairly lay out my reasoning when a book just doesn't work for me.
DeleteI really do not know about this one. Maybe I would just feel like you did
ReplyDeleteI'd be curious to see what you think of it! It seems to be getting very mixed reviews, so it could just be a me thing.
DeleteIt does sound like a bold endeavor, but I need some plot and character development, not just pages of reflections and descriptions. The cover is pretty, though.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it just didn't really come together for me.
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