Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories shines. These narratives delve into multifaceted subjects from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing bitter argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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