Samantha Harvey wins 2024 Booker Prize for 'Orbital' inspired by Virginia Woolf

Samantha Harvey won the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel 'Orbital', which explores themes of isolation and humanity through the experiences of astronauts on a space station. The book draws inspiration from Virginia Woolf's narrative techniques. In 'Orbital', Harvey uses a stream-of-consciousness style to delve into the astronauts' thoughts and memories, echoing Woolf's focus on inner lives. The story unfolds over a single day but frequently revisits the characters' pasts, creating a rich emotional landscape. The novel also highlights the fragility of Earth as seen from space, prompting reflections on environmental responsibility. Harvey's work combines Woolf's literary legacy with a fresh perspective on human connection in an extraordinary setting.