SheReads Best Historical Fiction of 2022 Finalist!
"Inspiring, heartwarming, and ultimately triumphant." --Lisa Wingate,
#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Friends
"What a remarkable woman--and what an enthralling story!" --Janet
Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris
Library
Must-read 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.
More Praise for The Invincible Miss Cust:
"The Invincible Miss Cust is an absolute delight, an exceptional,
immersive work of historical fiction set amid the beautifully detailed
landscapes of Ireland and England." --Jennifer Chiaverini, New York
Times bestselling author of Switchboard Soldiers
"A skillfully told story of an extraordinary woman's grit,
determination, and devotion to her dream. Detailed and evocative, The
Invincible Miss Cust is an engrossing read." --Shana Abé, New York
Times bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor
"I loved this gripping and inspirational book! Her courage and
independence of spirit shine through on every beautifully-written page
as she faces life's triumphs and tragedies." --Fiona Valpy,
bestselling author of The Dressmaker's Gift
"An amazing story! Haw's descriptive prose and deft characterizations
lead us through Cust's remarkable life, setbacks and triumphs, and
leaves us in awe of her perseverance, determination, and loyalty."
--Katherine Reay, bestselling author of The London House and The
Printed Letter Bookshop