While we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such narratives explore multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on power. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she really changed, and is the director's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a significant force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
