Description
TWO MIDDLE-AGED LADIES IN ANDALUSIA
Book Summary
In 1961, English writer Penelope Chetwoode embarked on an unusual journey through Andalusia accompanied by a twelve-year-old mare named Marquesa. This book recounts that unique adventure, in which both "middle-aged ladies" traverse goat paths and mule tracks, discovering the soul of a rural and authentic Spain. Inspired by the Hispanophile travelers of the 19th century, the author offers us a story full of humor, humanity, and keen observation, where every encounter with locals, inns, and landscapes becomes an unforgettable experience. A work that combines travel literature, a passion for horses, and a deep love for Andalusian culture.
What is it about?
The book recounts Penelope Chetwoode’s horseback journey through the Andalusian landscape in 1961. The author, mounted on Marquesa, a mare borrowed from the Duke of Wellington's stables in Granada, travels along secluded trails and rural areas following in the footsteps of romantic travelers like George Borrow and Richard Ford. Along the way, both protagonists face the harshness of the terrain and the hospitality of the Spanish people, whether in country inns, cave houses, or churches. The narrative combines British humor with ethnographic observation, showing the daily life of an Andalusia still anchored in ancestral traditions. The bond between the rider and her mare, as well as the author’s ability to connect with the people she meets, make this journey a celebration of the most genuine Spain.
Main themes
- Travel literature and rural exploration in 1960s Spain.
- The relationship between humans and horses as companions in adventure.
- The hospitality and character of the Andalusian people in rural settings.
- Influence of the 19th-century romantic Hispanophile travelers.
- The breeding and appreciation of the Spanish horse.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at lovers of travel literature with a human and intimate focus, readers interested in the rural history of Andalusia, and those who enjoy stories featuring unique and endearing characters. It will also appeal to equestrian enthusiasts and those looking for a nostalgic and authentic look at mid-20th-century Spain, narrated with humor and sensitivity.
What this book offers
- A vivid and personal portrait of rural Andalusia in 1961, far from tourist clichés.
- A unique perspective of travel on horseback, which allows for direct contact with the landscape and its people.
- The combination of an adventure story with the literary tradition of Hispanophile travelers.
- A reflection on aging, friendship, and self-improvement through two unconventional travel companions.
Technical specifications
- Author: Chetwoode, Penelope
- Publisher: Ediciones del Viento, S.L.
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Travel literature
- Collection: Viento Simún
- Publication date: October 2023
- Number of pages: 184
- Weight: 350 g
Editorial review
This work recovers a minor classic of travel literature in a carefully crafted edition that will delight readers looking for authentic stories far from conventional circuits. Chetwoode’s prose, full of irony and affection for what she describes, turns a simple equestrian journey into a window into a Spain that no longer exists. Her approach, at once erudite and lighthearted, makes it especially recommended for those who value the foreign gaze on Hispanic culture without falling into idealization or exoticism.