Bitter Lemons of Cyprus

Lose yourself in this classic prize-winning memoir of life in 1950s Cyprus on the brink of revolution by the legendary king of travel writing and real-life family member of The Durrells in Corfu.

Praise for Bitter Lemons of Cyprus:

• 'Stunning.' – André Aciman
• 'Masterly ... Casts a spell.' – Jan Morris
• 'Invades the reader's every sense ... Remarkable.' – Victoria Hislop
• 'These days I am admiring and re-admiring Lawrence Durrell.' – Elif Shafak
• 'Our last great garlicky master of the vanishing Mediterranean.' – Richard Holmes
• 'Exceptional ... Revelatory ... A master.' – Observer
• 'He writes as an artist, as well as a poet. Profoundly beautiful.' – New Statesman
• 'Brilliant ... Never for a moment does Durrell lose the poet's touch.' – New York Times

A Journey to 1950s Cyprus

Cyprus, 1953. As the island fights for independence from British colonial rule, ancient conflicts between Turkish and Greek Cypriots trouble the glittering Mediterranean waters. Into this brewing political storm enters Lawrence Durrell, yearning for the idyllic island lifestyle of his youth in Corfu.

Settling into a dilapidated villa, Durrell—with his poet's eye for beauty and passable Greek—vividly captures the moods and atmospheres of island life in a world undergoing profound change.

What Makes This Memoir Special:

• A Poet's Perspective: Durrell writes as both an artist and a poet, bringing profound beauty to his observations.
• A Glimpse of History: Experience Cyprus during a pivotal moment in its history, as it struggles for independence.
• A Lost World: Through folklore, wildflowers, eccentric locals, and the brewing revolution, Durrell paints an intimate portrait of a community that no longer exists.

Winner of the Duff Cooper Memorial Prize, this memoir is not just a travelogue—it's a deeply personal and evocative masterpiece by one of the greatest travel writers of all time.