The couple who saved an imprisoned artist’s life — and the extraordinary gift he gave in return.
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The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Kavitha Surana and Hannah Dreier, Garrett M. Graff, Dani Shapiro, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, and Lauren Hough.
Rush Drummer Neil Peart: Master Student
Neil Peart “was brilliant enough to skip two grades, starting high school at 12. He began drum lessons, practicing for a full year without an actual kit.”
Longreads Best of 2019: Investigative Reporting
We asked writers and editors to choose some of their favorite stories of the year in various categories. Here is the best in investigative reporting.
Editors Roundtable: Alma Matters, Raisin Hell, and Upstairs Cocaine (Podcast)
This week, we’re discussing stories in The Cut, Vulture, The New York Times, Topic, and The Atavist.
The Strange True Tale of ‘Castro’s No. 1 Killer’
Herman Marks, a drifter from Milwaukee, took a boat to Cuba with nothing but a Colt .45 revolver and $400 in cash. His plan? To join the revolution.
1000 Days of Trump
Where do we start? How long do you have?
The Proving Grounds: Charley Crockett and the Story of Deep Ellum
Generations of musicians got their start busking the streets of the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. After a decade of ‘hobo-ing’ around cities like New Orleans, Paris, and New York, Charley Crockett discovered it was his turn.
Elena Ferrante and the “My Brilliant Friend” Adaptation for HBO
Merve Emre interviews Elena Ferrante about an upcoming HBO adaptation of her novel, “My Brilliant Friend.”
Preserving Human Life Requires Preserving Insect Life
While science labors to comprehend the variety and volume of insects on earth, both are declining with disturbing speed, and the ecological consequences are troubling.

