Mary Doria Russell (born 1950) is an American author of science fiction, and is currently writing a historical novel about the Resistance in Italy during World War II.

Russell has become widely known for her two novels which explore one of science fiction's oldest concepts - First Contact with aliens. In this framework she also explores the even older issue of theodicy (how does one reconcile the idea of a benevolent deity with pain and evil in the world).

Her fans have been eagerly awaiting her next book for several years, but a series of personal and family illnesses has produced a like series of setbacks. She has done major rewrites of the partial manuscript several times now. She currently hopes to finish the manuscript by the end of this year.

Russell lives in Ohio with her husband, Don, and her son, Dan.

Books in Print

She has received a number of honors:

She has also been nominated for:

  • Hugo Award
  • Book of the Month Club Best First Fiction Prize