Portuguese writer and journalist Clara Cabral, based in London, is known for her diverse body of work, which ranges from memoirs to children’s books, blending historical research with fiction. Her writing often explores themes of identity, migration, women’s lives, and cultural bridges between Portugal and the UK.

Clara discovered the remarkable story that inspired her novel at a cocktail party in London, where she met Chris Denniston, the brother of Ginnie Denniston. Moved by Ginnie’s story, Clara became immediately inspired to share the inspirational story of a young Englishwoman who went to great measures to leave behind her overshadowed upbringing to seek independence and chase her dream.

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Go back in time

Set in the 1960s, The Englishwoman and the Marialva is a romance novel that follows the story of Virgínia Montesol, better known as Ginnie Denniston, an Englishwoman who moved to Ribatejo, Portugal, with the unlikely ambition of becoming a bullfighter. At the time, there were hardly any women bullfighters, making Ginnie’s decision more remarkable. She left London during a period of social transformation, when women in England were beginning to claim their rights, and moved to a region in Portugal still deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions. Nevertheless, she was a motivated and ambitious woman who fought for her place despite the challenges.

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Intentional decision

In her book, Clara describes that moving to Portugal was an intentional decision for Ginnie. At a time when Portugal was a remote and challenging country to reach, Ginnie decided to pack her belongings and knowledge of horse riding and make the drive to Portugal. From there, Ginnie thrived despite the challenges – adapting to a new culture, learning the Portuguese language, learning to bullfight and ride horses in the Portuguese way – through perseverance and hard work. Amid her journey, she fell in love with a Portuguese bullfighter and lived a beautiful romance before returning to London – but not without bringing back pieces of her life in Portugal. After her return, she listened to Portuguese LPs, cooked traditional Portuguese dishes, and maintained her Portuguese polished by writing letters to her friends back in the country she had grown to love. Ultimately, Ginnie made a name for herself in a deeply male-dominated society.

“Her story touched me deeply,” Clara shared. “I’ve lived in London for two decades, and I know what it’s like to integrate into a new culture. Ginnie went in the opposite direction – England to Portugal – and faced similar challenges. She overcame them with resilience and grace.”

Ginnie’s story is beautifully depicted in Clara Cabral’s book. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, Ginnie had succumbed to multiple sclerosis. Clara collected details from interviews with Ginnie’s family members and stories from friends in Portugal who still fondly remember Ginnie's determination.

To celebrate Ginnie’s legacy, Clara has partnered with the travel agency Lusanova Travels to create a literary tour. Titled “On The Footsteps of Ginny Denniston”, Clara will be taking participants through the cities that shaped Ginnie’s story, from charming villages and natural landscapes to historical sites. Participants will follow Ginnie’s journey from where her story began in Santarém, to the town of Chamusca, where she fell in love, settled, and trained.

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Immersing in Portuguese culture

Although strongly centred on key locations from the novel, it also offers cultural immersion, including wine tastings, boat rides, and a night of fado music. Participants will pass by the Belém Tower, the Tagus River, and the Convent of Christ UNESCO Heritage Site. Cuisine will also be a key part of the itinerary, as Pastel de Belém and traditional dishes from different regions will also be a part of the tour.

Clara’s The Englishwoman and the Marialva is part of the Plano Nacional de Leitura (National Reading Plan) and has been warmly received in Portugal. “Readers enjoy seeing Portugal through the eyes of a foreigner,” says Clara. With the book, and now with the tour, Clara invites others to do the same.


The tour covers travel costs, accommodation, activities and most meals. The deadline for registration is 28 August. More details can be found on: https://www.lusanova.com/trip.php