Samantha Harvey's 'Orbital' Soars to Victory as First Space-Set Booker Winner

British author Samantha Harvey's 'Orbital', set aboard the International Space Station, has won the 2024 Booker Prize. The novel, noted for its contemplation of Earth's beauty through the eyes of astronauts, marks a milestone as the first space-set book to win the award, highlighting women's dominance in this year's shortlist.

British author Samantha Harvey clinched the 2024 Booker Prize with her novel 'Orbital', set aboard the International Space Station, making history as the first space-set narrative to win the prestigious award. Harvey's win was announced at a ceremony in London, with judges praising the book's expansive yet compact storytelling.

Described by chair of judges Edmund de Waal as a 'space pastoral', 'Orbital' invites readers to reflect on human life and the planet's beauty, all within the span of 24 hours through the experiences of astronauts. The novel's success underscores the remarkable role of women in literature this year, dominating the prize's shortlist.

The Booker accolade brings Harvey instant global recognition, elevating the profile of her work akin to past winners. The victory sets a new benchmark for literary explorations of space, and Harvey dedicates her award to those advocating for Earth, resonating with a compelling narrative of global reflection.

(With inputs from agencies.)