A review by cloudedreads
Orbital by Samantha Harvey

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I have to start by saying that while I enjoyed it immensely, this book will not be for everyone - it's not character or plot focused, but instead, more of a running commentary about life and time and, above all, perspective.

 

The story follows six astronauts one a single (to them) day as they orbit the Earth and its rapid sunrises and sunsets. The characters go through the motions of a work day, deal with grief, think about the people they left back home and the people they have no choice but to live with. 

 

"Orbital", to me, felt like a breath of fresh air, a short book written in such an interesting way, made up from multiple snippets of past and present of the six main characters, interspersed with almost philosophical rummaging about the way things change depending on our perspective, both in everyday life, and on a cosmic level. I especially enjoyed the parts about a painting "Las Meninas", and the photo of the first moon landing. 

 

The shortness of scenes mixed with beautiful writing style and great narration made this book easy to follow (especially for someone with a short attention span) and allowed me to listen to the whole of it in just two sittings. 

Would recommend for anyone who needs an escape from their daily life without having to leave it too far behind - staying right in the orbit.

 

I have received a copy of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.