The Best Long-Form Reads of 2025: A Compendium of Profound Narratives

Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. Such accounts probe intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.

The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation

An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.

A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Myth

A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true motives?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back peace.

Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – until potentially now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of government.

The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly rich country has become a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?

A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

The finest narratives

Melanie Herrera
Melanie Herrera

Sophie is a beauty expert and skincare enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in the cosmetics industry.