As we look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These narratives probe complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. It poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the story of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment end – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
