[Unedited] Mary Doria Russell With Krista Tippett

Character Insight

Mary Doria Russell's approach to historical characters is both insightful and imaginative. She explores figures like Jack the Ripper and Benedict Arnold, aiming to understand their motivations and actions without contradicting known facts 1. Russell believes that people act with the intention of doing the right thing, and her job as a novelist is to make their thought processes comprehensible. Her portrayal of Doc Holliday, for instance, reveals a complex individual who was more than the notorious "killer dentist"; he was a well-educated man navigating the harsh realities of the American frontier 2.

People always think that they're doing the right thing. In their own minds, they're doing the right thing.

--- Mary Doria Russell

This nuanced perspective allows readers to see historical figures in a new light, challenging traditional narratives.

   

Religion & Conflict

Russell's narratives often intertwine religion with historical and geopolitical conflicts, offering a unique lens on these issues. She reflects on the Middle East's complex history, where religion is woven into the fabric of ongoing crises, making it difficult to discern clear solutions 3. Her exploration of Italian Jewish history during the Holocaust connects her personal heritage with broader ethical questions, emphasizing the immediacy of moral decisions in times of crisis 4.

It depends on where you start the story, who owns that land?

--- Mary Doria Russell

Through her work, Russell encourages readers to consider multiple perspectives and the deep-rooted nature of conflicts.