For a relatively short book (more a novella than a novel; 207 pages and a word count of roughly 40,000) Orbital was always destined to have a huge impact. And so it came to pass - winning, as it did, the 2024 Booker Prize. I remember saying at the time it would be a book I'd return to often. In pretty much the same way Andrew Smith's Moondust knocked me sideways, so Samatha Harvey's fifth novel, despite its brevity, is still resonating with me long after I finished reading it.
It was also the inspiration for one of my newer songs. I wrote One Small Step last September and recorded it last week (along with I'm Doing Just Fine), and I've got to say I'm blown away with the sound Phil Cooper has achieved. His remarkable production and (almost) angelic backing vocals have lifted the song in a way I couldn't imagine when I was driving down to Bristol last Monday morning singing it in the car.
Two excellent songs in one week - love them. Chapeau John. It's funny, because last week I ordered Orbital translated into German.
ReplyDeleteYou're very kind, Walt. Thank you.
DeleteI really hope you like Orbital. It split the room at Book Club (there's no accounting for taste) but it will enchant you, I'm sure.
And who are the "they" referred to at 1:29? I think we all know the answer to that.
ReplyDeleteAs Walter says, two winners in a week.
Busted, guilty as charged! Did you get the William Broad reference too?
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