A Top Long-Form Reads of the Year: A Selection of Profound Writing
Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These accounts explore multifaceted themes from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still move millions of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The 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 disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's true motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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