Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into Orbital. A novel set over a single day aboard the International Space Station, written by the always thoughtful Samantha Harvey, promised something quietly profound, and that’s exactly what I got. The premise felt both intimate and vast, a meditation on human fragility and cosmic perspective, and I was curious to see how she’d handle such a restrained, reflective narrative.

✅ What I Liked:
The writing is gorgeous. Harvey’s prose is lyrical without being overwrought, poetic, crisp, and laden with meaning. The way she captures the passing of time, the movement of light over the Earth, and the astronauts’ thoughts as they circle the planet again and again is nothing short of mesmerising.
There’s a deep emotional undercurrent, too. Even though not much “happens” in a plot sense, Harvey manages to create tension and reflection through internal monologues, fleeting memories, and philosophical observations. The characters’ interior lives are rendered with incredible sensitivity.
The setting also feels fresh and original. Space isn’t treated as a sci-fi playground here, it’s real, strange, silent, and awe-inspiring. Harvey uses it to zoom out from the petty noise of Earth and reflect on everything from war to beauty, from connection to isolation.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
This is very much a mood piece, and it won’t be for everyone. If you prefer fast-paced plots or clearly structured narratives, Orbital may feel meandering. There were moments when I felt slightly unmoored, as if I was drifting in the same orbit as the characters, beautiful, but also a bit disorienting.
Also, because of the novel’s brevity and stylistic focus, the astronauts don’t always feel fully fleshed out as individuals. Their voices sometimes blend together, though perhaps that was part of the point.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
Buy Orbital if you’re in the mood for something contemplative, poetic, and emotionally resonant. It’s the kind of novel that doesn’t shout, it whispers, lingers, and stays with you. Perfect for fans of Rachel Cusk, Max Porter, or anyone who wants their fiction to feel like stargazing with a heartbeat.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Orbital is less about story and more about sensation. It’s a novel that makes you pause, breathe, and reflect, on our planet, our place in the universe, and the astonishing fragility of human existence. Harvey has created a piece of literary art that feels both grounded and infinite.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★★★ – not because of a gripping plot, but because it made me feel something rare and quiet, which is even harder to pull off.