In the wet vs Tales of space and time: Which Should You Read?

Both live on shelves: English Science fiction, Science Fiction

Cover of In the wet

In the wet Nevil Shute · 1953 ★★★★☆ 3.9 368 pages · ≈ 6 h 49 m · Moderate Find on Amazon

vs

Cover of Tales of space and time

Tales of space and time H. G. Wells · 1899 ★★★★☆ 3.7 205 pages · ≈ 3 h 48 m · Demanding Find on Amazon

The verdict

Ratings are close: 3.9 vs 3.7 — either is a safe pick by score.
Tales of space and time is the quicker read — about 3 hours vs 6 for In the wet.
In the wet is the easier read (Moderate), Tales of space and time more demanding (Demanding).

Side by side