ORBITAL

Sarah Naudi offers a luminous narration of Harvey's latest sci-fi, which follows four astronauts and two cosmonauts aboard a space station orbiting the Earth. In a measured, thoughtful tone, Naudi provides a window on the crew's life in orbit, from the dreary mundanity of a malfunctioning toilet to the unsettling awe brought forth by a space walk. The crew members reach for connections with each other as they mourn lost family members, fall into unmoored dreams, debate the existence of God, and consider their futures. Naudi skillfully moves between the solemn, meditative language and the exquisite images that speak volumes--detritus left by an implacable storm juxtaposed with gem-like tears floating in zero gravity. This delicately narrated audio, layering the otherworldly with the ordinary, makes for a transfixing, unputdownable listen. S.A.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2023]