The Invincible Miss Cust cover art

The Invincible Miss Cust

A Novel

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The Invincible Miss Cust

By: Penny Haw
Narrated by: Lucy Rayner
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About this listen

Must-hear historical fiction for fans of Marie Benedict and Tracey Enerson Wood, based on the real life of Britain’s first woman veterinary surgeon.

Aleen Cust has big dreams. And no one―not her family, society, or the law―will stop her.

Born in Ireland in 1868 to an aristocratic English family, Aleen knows she is destined to work with animals, even if her family is appalled by the idea of a woman pursuing a veterinary career. Going against their wishes but with the encouragement of the guardian assigned to her upon her father’s death, Aleen attends the New Veterinary College in Edinburgh, enrolling as A. I. Custance to spare her family the humiliation they fear. At last, she is on her way to becoming a veterinary surgeon! Little does she know her biggest obstacles lie ahead.

The Invincible Miss Cust is based on the real life of Aleen Isabel Cust, who defied her family and society to become Britain and Ireland’s first woman veterinary surgeon. Through Penny Haw’s meticulous research, riveting storytelling, and elegant prose, Aleen’s story of ambition, determination, family, friendship, and passion comes to life. It is a story that, even today, women will recognize, of battling patriarchy and an unequal society to realize one’s dreams and pave the way for other women in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

©2022 Penny Haw (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing
20th Century Biographical Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction World War I Biography Dream Surgery

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All stars
Most relevant
Determination to aspire to. Penny Haw takes the history of Aleen Cust and weaves it into the charming and hateful characters that makeup The Invisible Miss Cust.

The author’s note at the end adds to the tale as Haw describes her additions to the story and which parts are factually known.

I absolutely loved every minute of this book.

Invincible indeed

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Fast paced, brilliantly written, keeps you entertained and invested in the story. So sensitively told. Im a huge Penny Haw fan. All her novels are of the same high quality and you learn a lot too.

Outstanding writing

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Miss Custs Mother and some of her siblings and the emergence of the I RA in Iteland

perseverance

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As a female veterinary surgeon this book was incredibly inspiring and informative on the history of my profession. I hope that Aleen would be proud of what we have achieved since her difficult journey to become the first female veterinary surgeon.

Gripping novel

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Based on the true story of Aleen Cust, the first veterinary surgeon in the UK, and her struggles to become one. I liked the author's note at the end, explaining what was fact and waich parts she added.

A lovely historical novel

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