Samantha Harvey is a writer from England who won a big award called the Booker Prize in 2024. She got this award for writing a book called "Orbit".
I dreamed of reading this book from the very day I learned about her victory. From the reviews, it seemed that this is a deep philosophical work, and I really love such literature.
The book actually explores some deep philosophical ideas, especially when it comes to what people are really searching for when they look up at the stars - are they trying to find proof that God exists or maybe disprove it altogether?
The story also shares some really emotional moments about the characters. The main plot is about six astronauts who are floating around the Earth. Some of them get some bad news while they're in space and have to deal with feeling sad, some start thinking about ending their marriages, and some remember things from when they were kids.
As the crew members look back on their decision to pursue this line of work, they can't help but discuss their personal beliefs and values, including their views on religion. But it's the stunning view outside the porthole that really leaves them in awe. The way the authors, like Harvey, describe this scene is truly breathtaking - their words paint a picture so vivid that you can't help but feel like you're right there with them, floating in orbit. It's as if they're sharing a secret, something that only they can see, and yet, through their writing, they're able to convey it to the reader in a way that feels almost tangible. You start to believe that the author must have experienced it all firsthand, that they've actually been to space and seen the beauty that lies beyond our planet.
In this short novel, the writer touches on almost every possible topic related to space: from the origin of the Universe and the search for extraterrestrial life to reflections on when the end of the Earth will come.
The book doesn't shy away from the daily routine of astronauts. It delves into the details of their meals, how their bodies feel in zero gravity, and what's going through their minds during a spacewalk. But that's not all - it also explores the fascinating world of experimental mice on board, the observation of microbes, the care and nurturing of cabbage, and even the experience of listening to radio signals from people back on Earth.
And, of course, the heroes come to the conclusion that we often do here on the planet: how small we are compared to the Universe, how insignificant we may seem, and at the same time how grandiose our plans for space exploration are.
