Masha Gessen

Masha Gessen was awarded the National Book Award for Nonfiction for "The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia." They also received the Hannah Arendt Prize for Political Thought.

Masha Gessen is widely recognized for their insightful and critical analysis of Russian politics and society, particularly their works focusing on Vladimir Putin and the rise of totalitarianism. Their writing often explores themes of authoritarianism, LGBTQ+ rights, and the challenges to democracy.

Masha Gessen writes exclusively under their own name and does not use any known pen names.

A good starting point for new readers is "The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia," as it provides a comprehensive overview of their key themes and won significant acclaim. Alternatively, "The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin" offers a focused look at a central figure in their work.