Edmund de Waal, the judging chair, emphasized the book's beauty and ambition, highlighting it as a reflection of Harvey's intense attention to the world. He stated, 'Our unanimity about Orbital recognizes its beauty and ambition. It reflects Harvey's extraordinary intensity of attention to the precious and precarious world we share.' This underlines the book's thematic richness, blending the personal and the universal through its narrative of astronauts.
In her acceptance speech, Samantha Harvey humorously expressed surprise at winning, stating, 'I was not expecting that... We were told that we weren't allowed to swear in our speech, so there goes my speech. It was just one swear word 150 times.' This light-hearted moment reflects her genuine humility and authenticity upon receiving such a prestigious award.
Harvey dedicated her win to advocates of peace, stating, 'I dedicate my win to those who speak for and not against the earth, for and not against the dignity of other humans, other life, and all the people who speak for, and call for, and work for peace.' This dedication emphasizes her commitment to broader social and environmental issues beyond the literary realm.
This year, 'Orbital' was the highest-selling book of the shortlist before the winner announcement, showcasing its popularity with 29,000 copies sold in the UK. Alexandra Harris described it as 'a finely crafted meditation on the Earth, beauty and human aspiration,' hinting at its thematic depth and the way it resonates with readers.
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