The Top In-Depth Reads of the Year: A Collection of Compelling Narratives

As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length pieces shines. Such accounts probe intricate topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.

A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country

An author became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.

The Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.

The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.

A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law

Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Breaking a Country's Identity

A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's true intentions?

The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to restore peace.

Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.

The English Professional With a Crooked Side

With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.

The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center

An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women

When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures is still partially shrouded.

A "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness

As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.

A Global AI Race and a Key Defection

In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

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Selena Murphy
Selena Murphy

Elena Voss is a certified financial planner with 15 years of experience helping individuals and families build secure financial futures.