Exploring the Intersection of Science and Literature: An Interview with Samantha Harvey
In a fascinating conversation, 2024 Booker Prize winner Samantha Harvey dives into her novel “Orbital,” which is set aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This unique narrative explores humanity’s complex relationship with Earth as seen through six astronauts over a 24-hour period, challenging conventional perspectives on borders and belonging.
Conception of ‘Orbital’: Where Science Meets Art
Q: How did this story occur to you? What was the kernel?
A: Samantha explains her vision of crafting a novel that parallels visual art as much as it does traditional literature. She describes her aspiration to communicate the experience of orbiting Earth, portraying space as a domestic and majestic environment. Harvey sought to encapsulate this dichotomy and evoke the spectacular views of low Earth orbit in what she terms “space realism.”
The Writing Process: Navigating Time and Space
Q: While you were writing ‘Orbital’, did it at any point become a little disorienting in terms of the time and space that you were inhabiting while creating this?
A: Creating this otherworldly environment proved to be an immersive experience. Samantha absorbed hours of footage and imagery from the ISS, which informed her vivid portrayals. This daily routine made the vastness of space feel familiar, echoing astronauts’ own claims of intimacy with their earthly coordinates.
Characters and Personal Connections
Q: That connection with terra firma and you bring it very elegantly with some of the astronauts who face personal dilemmas. Is there an autobiographical element?
A: Harvey acknowledges the subtle autobiographical fragments in her writing. Unlike her previous novels centering on a single character, “Orbital” features six protagonists, each contributing to the narrative landscape rather than dominating it. Their development was intuitive, driven largely by her instincts and life experiences.
Fusing Science with Literary Creativity
Q: You have researched quite a few branches of science before writing this book. How did that influence your writing?
A: With a keen sense of responsibility towards scientific accuracy, Samantha meticulously gathered facts from astronomy and engineering, despite acknowledging her limits. Her aim was to transform this information into the rich tapestry of prose, blending hard facts with emotive storytelling.
Wrestling with Language
Q: Were you ever at a loss for words to describe what you saw in your mind’s eye?
A: Harvey admits that articulating the visual feast posed challenges, requiring her to delve deep into English’s vast vocabulary to avoid clichés. The richness of the language provided her a broad palate, even as she navigated the complexities of capturing such vivid imagery.
Reflections on ‘Orbital’ and Its Impact
The narrative of “Orbital” offers more than a mere story of astronauts in space; it’s a reflection on the larger questions of existence and our connections to the cosmos and each other. Through this inspiring interaction with Samantha Harvey, we glean insights not only into her creative process but also into the profound themes that resonate within her work.
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Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/orbital-where-science-meets-poetry-in-space/articleshow/115306621.cms