The New Statesman | UK politics and culture Booker prize winner Samantha Harvey: "political choices are sculpting the surface of the earth"
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Nov 18, 2024 Samantha Harvey, the 2024 Booker Prize winner for her novel "Orbital," explores how our political choices impact the Earth and beyond. She critiques Elon Musk's vision for an individualistic future as problematic. Harvey discusses the significance of the International Space Station's de-orbiting, marking a shift in international cooperation. The discussion dives deep into humanity's role in environmental issues and the influence of literature, reflecting on how political narratives shape personal identities and societal values.
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Politics Sculpt The Planet
- Samantha Harvey observes political choices and consumer behaviour are actively reshaping Earth's surface visible from orbit.
- She warns commercial, individualistic space ambitions risk abandoning planetary stewardship for private gain.
One Day Structure Mirrors Orbital Time
- Harvey set Orbital over a single compressed day to encode the altered temporal experience of orbit into form.
- This structure focused the narrative and removed repetitive domestic markers like multiple breakfasts.
Research Into ISS Domestic Life
- Harvey pursued extensive research into life aboard the ISS to respect the subject and enhance realism.
- She enjoyed the contrast of mundane housekeeping and extraordinary environment to inspire scenes.
