Sarah Souli | November 2022 | 13 minutes (3,781 words) This is an excerpt from The Atavist’s issue no. 133, “A Matter of Honor.” The story was completed with generous support from the Incubator for Media Education and Development, a nonprofit journalistic organization founded in 2018 with an exclusive donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. “Just by being there, […]
investigations
Wearing All the Hats: A Chat with the Writer and Editor Behind The Atavist’s New Issue
In this excerpt from The Creative Nonfiction Podcast, host Brendan O’Meara talks to Seyward Darby about “Fault Lines,” her Atavist writing debut.
The Cult That Promises to Cure Addiction
For 50 years, Enthusiastic Sobriety programs have offered to help teenagers kick drugs and alcohol. But former followers say ES doesn’t save lives—it destroys them.
Sentenced to Life At 16
Adolfo Davis hoped a Supreme Court ruling would give him a chance at a new beginning. But nothing about freedom turned out as he expected.
Switch at Birth — But How?
Two women gave birth on the same day in a place called Come By Chance. Half a century later, their children made a shocking discovery.
When Refugee Families are Separated, Women Carry the Burden
The story of a Somali family uprooted by war and separated by America’s broken refugee resettlement system — and the siblings who brought them back together.
What Happened to Cruise Ship Workers Once the Passengers Were Gone?
At the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, cruise companies “went to great lengths to repatriate vacationers.” But for crew members, it was a different story.
The Case of the Disappearing Bucatini
Having trouble finding bucatini? You are not alone.
The Racist Healthcare System that Failed JaMarcus Crews
“Donated kidneys are a precious, limited resource, and once again, Black Americans are at a disadvantage.”
Longreads Best of 2020: Investigative Reporting
Our top picks for investigative journalism this year.