Bitter lemons vs The Middle Kingdom: Which Should You Read?

Both live on shelves: Politics and government, Manners and customs, Description and travel, Travel, Social life and customs

Cover of Bitter lemons

Bitter lemons Lawrence Durrell · 1957 ★★★★☆ 3.8 271 pages · ≈ 5 h 01 m · Moderate Find on Amazon

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Cover of The Middle Kingdom

The Middle Kingdom S. Wells Williams · 1848 ★★★★☆ 3.9 810 pages · ≈ 15 h 00 m · Demanding Find on Amazon

The verdict

Ratings are close: 3.8 vs 3.9 — either is a safe pick by score.
Bitter lemons is the quicker read — about 5 hours vs 15 for The Middle Kingdom.
Bitter lemons is the easier read (Moderate), The Middle Kingdom more demanding (Demanding).

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