Orbital

How does the novel's setting aboard the International Space Station impact the characters' perceptions of Earth and their own lives?

Discuss how Harvey uses the concept of time in 'Orbital'. How does the 24-hour structure influence the narrative and the characters' experiences?

What role do the scientific experiments play in the story, beyond their practical purposes?

In what ways do the characters' backgrounds and nationalities influence their interactions and perspectives?

How does 'Orbital' challenge or reinforce your understanding of isolation and community?

Reflect on the character dynamics between the astronauts. What tensions arise, and how are they resolved throughout the day?

How does Harvey portray the physical and psychological effects of space travel on the astronauts?

Consider the philosophical questions posed by the book. How do these questions influence the narrative's direction?

Analyze how 'Orbital' balances scientific detail with literary prose. What effect does this have on the reader?

Discuss how the characters' observations of Earth from space influence their thoughts and conversations about life on the planet.

How does the conclusion of 'Orbital' reflect the novel's overarching themes of connectivity and isolation?

What emotional transformations do the astronauts undergo by the end of the novel?

Explore the significance of the recurring imagery of Earth and space. How does this imagery enhance the novel's thematic depth?

In what ways does the novel's ending prompt a re-evaluation of the characters' prior experiences and realizations?

How does the novel address the theme of human fallibility within the advanced technological environment of the space station?