The Invincible Miss Cust

A Novel

By: Penny Haw

Narrated by: Lucy Rayner

Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Memorable Story

Slow start, but stick with it because it is an excellent memeroable story. There is a lot you'll learn about in this book.

History

Loved this story good historical fiction about a bold woman who defied all odds and her family to achieve her dreams.

great story of the 1st female vet

in this 21st century it still astounds me how women were suppressed to be nothing more than an ornament on their husbands arm with no legal rights. The struggle that Ms. Cust endured to become a vet surgeon was both shocking and admirable. Great story to the end!

Good story but narrator…

This historical fiction was very well written and very interesting. However and although…the narrator has a beautiful voice but her inflection!! I almost quit before I got started!! Reading her characters was good but the commentary in between…gnawing! But glad I finished. Inspiring story of a determined woman.

A Story of an Indomitable Spirit

Inspiring story of courage and perseverance. What she had to overcome was incredible and made for an excellent read.

Good read

Historical fiction well done and well read (narrated). This book left a memorable impression because it had a good story line.

Loved how accurate this story is!

I love historical fiction and this has mostly fact which makes it even more interesting. Totally enjoyed this!

Enjoyed Thoroughly

The story of Miss Cust is one that even as a woman in the "modern era" I felt a connection with. So many strong women have paved the way for women in the workforce but there is still so much to be done and undone. I highly recommend giving it a read.

If you’re an animal lover

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a story worth learning about. It is about courage and determination. Ms Cust has a indomitable spirit. It is also about history and animals. A great listen.

Thank goodness for unstoppable women.

What a history lesson! I had no idea a woman had to work so hard to get into this profession and the silly reasons they used to try to stop them. Great story, great performance.