The Best Long-Form Stories of the Year: An Selection of Compelling Writing

While we look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted topics ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.

The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. Although several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This poses a key question: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.

The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law

Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary following a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of government.

An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub

An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?

An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of the procedures remains partially shrouded.

A "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?

One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. I was sadly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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