Book description
A singular new novel from Betty Trask Prize-winner Samantha Harvey, Orbital is an eloquent meditation on space and life on our planet through the eyes of six astronauts circling the earth in 24 hours A slender novel of epic power, Orbital deftly snapshots one day in the lives of six women and men traveling through space. Selected for one of the last space station missions of its kind before the program is dismantled, these astronauts and cosmonauts--from America, Russia, Italy, Britain, and Japan--have left their lives behind to travel at a speed of over seventeen thousand miles an hour as the earth reels below. We glimpse moments of their earthly lives through brief communications with family, their photos and talismans; we watch them whip up dehydrated meals, float in gravity-free sleep, and exercise in regimented routines to prevent atrophying muscles; we witness them form bonds that will stand between them and utter solitude. Most of all, we are with them as they behold and record their silent blue planet. Their experiences of sixteen sunrises and sunsets and the bright, blinking constellations of the galaxy are at once breathtakingly awesome and surprisingly intimate. Profound and contemplative, Orbital is a moving elegy to our environment and planet.ReviewA New York Times and Booklist Editors' Choice One of Barack Obama's Favorite Books of the Year A Best Book of the Year from Oprah Daily, Financial Times, Globe and Mail, Chicago Tribune, and The Guardian A Most Anticipated Book of 2023 from Literary Hub A Most Anticipated Book of Fall from The Guardian and Los Angeles Times "Ravishingly beautiful." -- Joshua Ferris, New York Times "Samantha Harvey, one of the most consistently surprising contemporary British novelists, becomes something like the cosmic artificer of our era with her slim, enormous novel Orbital (Grove), which imaginatively constructs the day-to-day lives of six astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Orbital is the strangest and most magical of projects, not least because it's barely what most people would call a novel but performs the kind of task that only a novel could dare . . . [Harvey writes] like a kind of Melville of the skies." -- James Wood, The New Yorker "Luminous and profound, Orbital is hard to put down and even harder to forget." --Booklist, Starred ReviewAbout the Author Samantha Harvey is the author of five novels, Orbital, The Western Wind, Dear Thief, All Is Song, and The Wilderness, and one work of nonfiction, The Shapeless Unease. Orbital was the winner of the Booker Prize 2024, and her other work has been shortlisted for the Women's Prize, the Guardian First Book Award, the James Tait Black Prize, and the Walter Scott Prize. The Wilderness was awarded the Betty Trask Prize. She lives in Bath, UK, and teaches creative writing at Bath Spa University.
Santa's Little Helper
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Toolmaker
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient.
Judge
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
Mud Finger
Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Sweet Bacon
Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Gingersnap Woman
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Demand Chopper
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! I've become addicted to this app – in the best possible way! ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
DreamDasher
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
Saturnalia
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. 👀📚 Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page – this app is a bedtime dream! 😴🎧 The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
Racy Babe
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged.
Freeze Queen
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
Scooby Did
This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch – it's like having a personalized reading. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Thumb Candy
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Lady Fantastic
🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with it—the narration was fine, and the story was okay—but nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Devil Bread
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Sokol
⭐️ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. 📚👏 Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Yellow Menace
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph.
Lucky Aurora
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle.
Married Man
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Rando Tank
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience