The 2026 Shortlist: Anand Gopal Read Smart Podcast

Anand Gopal's book "Days of Love and Rage" offers a profound exploration of the Syrian revolution, focusing on the city of Manbij, which experienced a unique democratic experiment amidst the chaos of war. Gopal, an award-winning journalist, draws from around 2,000 interviews to present an intimate and detailed account of how ordinary citizens, initially living under a repressive dictatorship, began to organize and govern themselves after expelling the regime. The narrative highlights the challenges and triumphs of these individuals as they sought to establish democratic councils, blending their everyday lives with newfound political agency.

The discussion delves into the complexities of the revolution, including the socioeconomic divides that ultimately contributed to the rise of ISIS in Manbij. Gopal emphasizes that while the initial uprising was fueled by a collective desire for freedom, differing interpretations of what that freedom entailed led to fractures within the community. The book illustrates how ISIS exploited these grievances, presenting itself as a solution to the economic struggles faced by the populace, thus complicating the narrative of the revolution and its aftermath.

Gopal's work not only recounts the events in Manbij but also serves as a broader commentary on the nature of democracy and the importance of inclusivity in governance. He argues that the lessons learned from the Syrian experience resonate globally, particularly in the context of rising authoritarianism and inequality. Despite the challenges faced, Gopal expresses a cautious optimism about the future, suggesting that the spirit of democratic engagement fostered during those tumultuous months continues to influence the region's political landscape.

In the final episode of our 2026 Read Smart shortlist series, Prize Director Toby Mundy speaks with Anand Gopal about his book Days of Love and Rage: A Story of Revolution, shortlisted for the 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction.

In the Syrian city of Manbij, ordinary men and women set out to build a democracy amid revolution. Through their experiences of friendship, hope, sacrifice and betrayal, Gopal tells the deeply human story of a community fighting to shape its own future. His reporting brings us close to the people behind the headlines, exploring their pursuit of freedom and the inequalities that threaten it.

Listen now to hear about the lives, choices and ideals at the heart of this story.

This podcast is generously supported by the Blavatnik Family Foundation. To keep up with all our Prize news year-round, follow @BGPrize on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube.