The author won the award with a novel that tells the story of six astronauts. In Italy it will be released in February by NN with the translation by Gioia Guerzoni
Six astronauts on board the International Space Station who circle the Earth sixteen times and reflect on the meaning of life while looking at their planet from afar: what would it be like without human life? And what would human life be like if there wasn’t an Earth to host it?
«Orbital», a novel by Samantha Harvey (1975, Kent, United Kingdom) has won the Booker Prize 2024, the most prestigious prize in the United Kingdom for fiction, which was awarded on Tuesday 12 November at Old Billingsgate in London. The author received a check for 50 thousand pounds (60 thousand euros). Since 1969 the prize has been awarded to the best work of fiction written in English and published in the United Kingdom (and from 2018 also in the Republic of Ireland).
“I didn’t expect to win,” Harvey said in his speech Tuesday night. “We were told that swearing was not allowed, and so my speech ended. It was just a bad word 150 times.” The writer then dedicated her victory to those who «speak for and not against the Earth, for and not against the dignity of other human beings, of other lives, and to all the people who speak, ask and work for peace ».
Only English writer in the final, Harvey was selected from a final six of five women and one man: Percival Everett with «James» (translated into Italy from The Ship of Theseus); Rachel Kushner with «Creation Lake» (Scribner); Anne Michaels (“Held”, published by Bloomsbury); Yael van der Wouden and her «The Safekeep» (which will be translated by Garzanti in early 2025) and Charlotte Wood with «Stone Yard Devotional» (Riverhead Books).
In Italy «orbital» it will be published in February 2025 by NN Editore with the translation by Gioia Guerzoni. The novel was unanimously chosen as the winner after a “day of reflection” on the shortlist, according to what was declared by the president of the jury, the artist and author Edmund De Waal. «Our unanimity on “Orbital” recognizes its beauty and ambition. It reflects the extraordinary intensity of Harvey’s attention to the precious and precarious world we share.”
November 13, 2024 (modified November 13, 2024 | 7:11 pm)
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Samantha Harvey, Author of “Orbital”
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Samantha. Congratulations on winning the Booker Prize for your novel ”Orbital”! That’s a tremendous honor. How does it feel to receive such a prestigious award?
Samantha Harvey: Thank you! It still feels surreal, to be honest. I didn’t expect to win at all. When I was up there giving my speech, all I could think about was not saying anything inappropriate — and then it just turned into a string of forbidden expressions!
Time.news Editor: (laughs) That’s a memorable way to mark the occasion! Your novel focuses on six astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Can you share what inspired you to take this unique setting and perspective for your story?
Samantha Harvey: Absolutely! I’ve always been fascinated by space and our relationship with Earth. The idea that six individuals can be so isolated yet so connected to humanity really intrigued me. I wanted to explore deep questions about existence and what it means to be human, all while enveloped in the vastness of space. Looking back at Earth from that vantage point certainly evokes profound reflections.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a deeply philosophical narrative. What kind of themes do you hope readers will take away from the astronauts’ reflections on life and Earth?
Samantha Harvey: I hope readers find themselves contemplating our existence in a new light. The astronauts grapple with questions like: What would human life be without Earth? And vice versa — what does it mean for Earth to host life? The novel invites readers to ponder our place in the universe and the fragility of life itself.
Time.news Editor: That’s a compelling premise. I understand that “Orbital” is set to be released in Italy in February, with a translation by Gioia Guerzoni. Have you had any discussions about how the themes may resonate differently with Italian readers compared to a UK audience?
Samantha Harvey: Yes, I’m really looking forward to the Italian release! I believe that themes of existence and connection are universal, but of course, the readers’ cultural contexts can influence how they interpret the story. I’m excited to see how Italian readers relate to these themes, especially given Italy’s rich history in philosophy and art.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. Winning the Booker Prize not only comes with a significant monetary award, but it also boosts visibility for your work. How do you think this accolade will impact your writing and future projects?
Samantha Harvey: It certainly opens many doors, and I feel both excited and a bit pressured! I’d love to challenge myself further and explore different styles or narratives. Winning such a prestigious award certainly raises the stakes, but it also gives me the confidence to dive into my next project, knowing there’s a community of readers and writers who appreciate what I do.
Time.news Editor: We’ll be eagerly awaiting your next project! Before we wrap up, is there any piece of advice you’d give aspiring writers who wish to tackle complex themes like those in “Orbital”?
Samantha Harvey: Write from a place of authenticity. Don’t shy away from asking the difficult questions. Explore themes that resonate with you personally, and remember that your unique perspective is what contributes to the richness of literature. The important thing is to keep evolving as a writer.
Time.news Editor: Wise words! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today, Samantha, and once again, congratulations on your remarkable achievement with “Orbital.” We look forward to seeing how your journey unfolds!
Samantha Harvey: Thank you! It was a pleasure chatting with you.