Samantha Harvey wins 2024 Booker Prize for Orbital

British author Samantha Harvey has won the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel *Orbital*. This marks the first time a woman has won the award since 2019. The book has become the biggest-selling title on the shortlist in the UK. *Orbital*, which follows six astronauts over 24 hours on the International Space Station, is the second-shortest winner in the prize's history. Harvey will receive £50,000 and a trophy for her achievement. The chair of the judges emphasized that the award was based on literary merit, not social or political issues. Harvey's win comes despite strong competition, including from American author Percival Everett.