As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These accounts delve into multifaceted topics ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.
The finest stories
