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The Invincible Miss Cust
- Author
- Penny Haw
- Narrator
- Lucy Rayner
- Publisher
- Blackstone Publishing
- Publish Date
- 4 October 2022
- Run Time
- 11 hours 2 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Rating
- 5.0 (1 review)
What to expect
This must-read historical fiction for fans of Marie Benedict and Tracey Enerson Wood is 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.This
Critics Review
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“Rayner adopts a melodic yet aristocratic air while voicing Cust, shifting accents for Edinburgh professors of veterinary medicine, obstinate London animal doctors, and accepting Irish husbandmen. Raynor becomes Cust as she narrates this engaging fictionalized biography…Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
AudioFile
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“Told through Aleen’s perspective, it captures the courage and the doubt she had to juggle through much of her life. Her story will appeal…to any reader who loves animals and the people who care for them.”
Booklist
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“An absolute delight; an exceptional, immersive work of historical fiction.”
Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author
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“Inspiring, heartwarming, and ultimately triumphant.”
Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author
See more reviews See fewer reviews
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“What a remarkable woman—and what an enthralling story!”
Janet Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author
User Reviews
Book 5.0
Narration 5.0
-
5.0 5.0
What a fantastic read. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The book was based on true events which made it even more enjoyable. It has made me do a little research of my own on Firsts for women. Very well done Penny Huw.
Vera Griffiths 2022-10-09
Details
- Author
- Penny Haw
- Narrator
- Lucy Rayner
- Duration
- 11 hours 2 minutes
- Release Date
- 4 October 2022
- ISBN
- 9798212004817
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Blackstone Publishing
- Genre
- Historical fiction, First World War fiction, Biographical fiction
- Rating
- 5.0(1 review)
- Narration
- 5.0(1 review)
Synopsis
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.
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