British writer Samantha Harvey won the prestigious Booker Prize on Tuesday for her science fiction novel following six astronauts as they orbit Earth over 24 hours.
Set aboard the International Space Station, Harvey's "Orbital" tracks two men and four women from Japan, Russia, the United States, Britain and Italy as they observe and reflect on their home planet, touching on themes of mourning, desire and the climate crisis.
The Booker, which comes with a £50,000 ($64,000) cash prize, has launched careers and courted controversy since its creation in 1969. Past laureates include Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, Julian Barnes and Kazuo Ishiguro.
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