Bitter lemons vs Venetian life: Which Should You Read?

Both live on shelves: 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 Venetian life

Venetian life William Dean Howells · 1866 ★★★★☆ 3.8 158 pages · ≈ 2 h 56 m · Challenging Find on Amazon

The verdict

Ratings are close: 3.8 vs 3.8 — either is a safe pick by score.
Venetian life is the quicker read — about 2 hours vs 5 for Bitter lemons.
Bitter lemons is the easier read (Moderate), Venetian life more demanding (Challenging).

Side by side