Podcast Summary: The Book Review – Book Club: Let's Talk About "Orbital," by Samantha Harvey

Episode Information

• Title: Book Club: Let's Talk About "Orbital," by Samantha Harvey
• Host: MJ Franklin, Editor at The New York Times Book Review
• Guests: Jumana Khatib and Jen Harlan, Editors at The New York Times Book Review
• Release Date: February 28, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Book Review Podcast, host MJ Franklin leads a lively discussion about Samantha Harvey's acclaimed novel, Orbital. Joined by fellow editors Jumana Khatib and Jen Harlan, the trio delves deep into the novel's themes, writing style, and emotional resonance. The conversation provides listeners with comprehensive insights, ideal for both fans of the book and those considering reading it.

Book Overview

MJ Franklin opens the discussion by highlighting Orbital's prestigious accolade—the Booker Prize—affirming its literary significance. She emphasizes the book's compact yet powerful narrative, contrasting it with previous selections like Alan Hollinghurst's Our Evenings. Franklin expresses a personal connection, having read the novel in one sweeping session over a weekend.

Jen Harlan provides a succinct synopsis: Orbital chronicles 24 hours aboard the International Space Station, following six astronauts—four men and two women—from diverse backgrounds. The narrative explores their daily lives, experiments, and the profound solitude of space, intertwining personal introspections with broader contemplations about Earth and humanity's place in the cosmos.

Initial Reactions and Impressions

Jen Harlan shares her admiration for the novel's lyrical and visceral writing. She describes the book as "small and massive at the same time," allowing readers to vividly imagine the confined yet expansive environment of the space station. Harlan found the structure meditative, appreciating its fragmented yet profound chapters.

Contrastingly, Jumana Khatib recounts her struggle with the novel's pacing. As a fast reader, she initially attempted to consume the book quickly but realized that savoring its poetic language required a slower, more reflective approach. Khatib metaphorically compares the experience to "eating without chewing," ultimately praising Harvey's ability to balance depth without becoming overly didactic.

MJ Franklin admits her apprehension toward space-themed narratives but was captivated by the book's tight narrative frame. She lauds the balance between the astronauts' meditative internal lives and the dynamic, almost kinetic flow of ideas, despite the lack of conventional plot progression.

In-Depth Discussions

Themes of Isolation and Connectivity

The conversation delves into how Orbital masterfully portrays isolation juxtaposed with deep human connections. Harlan praises the depiction of the astronauts as a "temporary family," navigating both professional responsibilities and personal introspections in a confined space. The novel's exploration of relationships strained by distance—both physical and emotional—is highlighted as a poignant aspect.

Romanticism and the Sublime

Franklin introduces the concept of the "sublime" in Romanticism—defined here as the "terrifying feeling of awe"—and how Orbital channels this through its space setting. The vastness of space serves as a backdrop for intimate human emotions, blending fear, wonder, and existential contemplation.

Symbolism and Artistic References

Harlan discusses the integration of art within the novel, referencing Sean's contemplation of Velazquez's Las Meninas and Roman's fixation on Michael Collins' lunar photographs. These artistic elements underscore the themes of perspective and the human condition, mirroring the astronauts' unique vantage point and their feelings of powerlessness amidst cosmic vastness.

Emotional Resonance and Practical Realities

Khatib appreciates how Harvey intertwines profound emotional themes with practical space station realities, such as the inability to cry in space or the necessity of maintaining physical health through exercise. These details ground the novel's philosophical musings in tangible experiences, enhancing its emotional depth.

Notable Quotes

The panel highlights several impactful passages from Orbital, each accompanied by specific timestamps:

• Page 13 [33:02]:

  "The Earth from here is like heaven. It flows with color. A burst of hopeful color. When we're on that planet, we look up and think heaven is elsewhere. But here is what the astronauts and cosmonauts sometimes think. Maybe all of us born to it have already died and are in an afterlife. If we must go to an improbable hard to believe and place when we die, that glassy distant orb with its beautiful lonely light shows could well be it."

• Page 173 [33:02]:

  "Time moves on with its usual nihilism, mows us all down, jaw-droppingly insensate to our preference for living."

• Page 134 [33:02]:

  "In 5 billion years when Earth is long dead, it will be a love song that outlives spent suns."

Harlan also mentions a poignant moment where Roman catalogs his daily activities in space as a tether to his existence, underscoring the human need for structure amidst the boundless.

Book Recommendations

As the discussion nears its end, the panelists offer thoughtful recommendations for listeners captivated by Orbital:

• Jen Harlan recommends Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a non-fiction work that complements Orbital by exploring deep connections with the natural world through lyrical prose.

• Jumana Khatib suggests The Body in Question by Jill Simmonds, a novel about the intimate relationships formed within the confines of a jury trial, paralleling the communal dynamics aboard the space station.

• MJ Franklin offers a diverse list:

  • In Defense of Saccharine by Leslie Jamison
  • The 10th of December by George Saunders
  • Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
  • Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
  • The Vaster Wilds (Author unspecified)

These recommendations aim to provide listeners with a variety of literary experiences that echo the emotional and thematic depth of Orbital.

Reader Engagement and Feedback

Franklin highlights selected reader comments from the New York Times' Book Club hub:

• Julie from Ohio appreciates the book's ability to dissolve societal divisions when viewed from space, fostering a brief yet profound Earth-centric perspective.

• Yuval from New York commends Harvey for balancing human and cosmic viewpoints, creating a "disquieting open endedness" that encapsulates the novel's weightlessness.

• Cole from Pittsburgh echoes the novel's melancholic tone with a poetic remark: "In space, no one can hear you yawn."

• Michael from Dublin shares his initial struggle with the book's pacing, eventually growing to appreciate its "beautiful prose" and profound themes.

Conclusion and Upcoming Reveals

As the episode wraps up, Franklin announces the March book club read, We Do Not Part by Hong Kong, inviting listeners to join the upcoming discussion. The conversation closes with heartfelt thanks to the guests and listeners, encouraging continued engagement through the New York Times website.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Book Review Podcast offers an enriching exploration of Samantha Harvey's Orbital, blending personal insights with critical analysis. The detailed examination of the novel's themes, coupled with engaging dialogue and select quotes, provides a comprehensive understanding suitable for both enthusiasts and newcomers. The recommended readings further extend the conversation, fostering a deeper appreciation for literary works that navigate the complexities of human emotion and existence.