Orbital by Samantha Harvey is a contemplative and poetic novel that follows six astronauts aboard the International Space Station over the course of a single day. As they orbit Earth, circling it every 92 minutes, 16 turns around the globe in 24 hours, they experience the vastness of space while reflecting on their lives, the fragility of the planet below, and the nature of human existence. Blending lyrical prose with scientific precision, the novel explores themes of isolation, wonder, and connection. Each astronaut grapples with personal memories, philosophical questions, and the contrast between the boundlessness of space and the intimate details of life on Earth.
With its meditative tone and immersive descriptions, Orbital offers a profound exploration of what it means to be human in the face of the infinite, making readers ponder both the grandeur of the universe and the small yet significant moments that shape our lives.
We discussed the minuteness of life, the lyricism of the writing and how difficult some of us had reading this book. Some felt the lack of science although the writing was gorgeous.
Words used to describe it: human, poetic, shifted perspective, soperific, orbital, colourful, educational, elegaic
Marks out of 10: between 4 - 9 so widely differing
Next Book
Mortal Souls by Martin Booth (Rowena 190)
Next Meeting
Emma's - Thursday 27th February
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