Samantha Harvey's 'Orbital' wins 2024 Booker Prize for its portrayal of astronauts' lives

Samantha Harvey's novel "Orbital" won the 2024 Booker Prize, awarded on Tuesday. The book explores a day in the life of six astronauts on the International Space Station, reflecting on human life and the beauty of Earth. "Orbital" is notable for its brevity at 136 pages, making it the second-shortest book to win the prize. It has sold more copies than the last three Booker winners combined before their awards. Harvey is the first woman to win since 2019. The prize, valued at about $53,000, was presented in London. Harvey expressed her gratitude during her acceptance speech, emphasizing the connection between humanity and the Earth. "Orbital" outperformed five other shortlisted titles.