The Invincible Miss Cust, Penny Haw
The Invincible Miss Cust, Penny Haw
123 Rating(s)
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The Invincible Miss Cust
A Novel

Author: Penny Haw

Narrator: Lucy Rayner

Unabridged: 11 hr 2 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/04/2022

Synopsis

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

About Penny Haw

Penny Haw is a long-time journalist and columnist and latter-day author. She has written for many leading South African newspapers and magazines for more than three decades. The Wilderness Between Us was her debut contemporary novel for adults. Haw lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

About Lucy Rayner

Lucy Rayner is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and award-winning British actress. She has starred in numerous short and feature-length films, including English20 and Total Retribution. For her performance in Bolero, she was named Best Supporting Actress at the 2013 Madrid International Film Festival. She has worked on both sides of the Atlantic in a number of theater productions and films, many of which have screened at festivals around the world. She has a master’s degree in history from the University of Edinburgh and is a graduate of the Lee Strasberg Institute in New York City.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Rosh (Off GR duty for a fortnight!) on November 30, 2022

In a Nutshell: Based on the true story of Aleen Cust, Britain’s first female veterinary surgeon. Mostly faithful to actual events. Second half is a teeny bit weaker. But a great read nonetheless. Story Synopsis: Aleen has loved animals, especially horses and dogs, since childhood. However, being a d......more

Goodreads review by Annette on September 19, 2022

The Invincible Miss Cust reimagines the story of Aleen Cust, the first woman veterinary surgeon of Britain and Ireland. 19th century. Aleen is born in Ireland to an aristocratic English family. Growing up with brothers, she notices the experiences and opportunities that her brother have, but they are......more

Goodreads review by Karren on October 05, 2022

Aleen Cust lives in county Tipperary, Ireland, with her English aristocrat family, her mother Lady Isabel can’t see the point of employing a governess just for Aleen and she studies alongside her brothers and they have a tutor. Aleen loves living in the Irish countryside, she adores animals, and has......more

Goodreads review by Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader on January 08, 2023

I love animals. When I was younger, everyone thought I would be a veterinarian. When animals were around, I went straight to them and visited the people second. 😂 (I loved the people too!) When I learned about Aleen Cust, I knew I HAD to read her story. Thank you to Landmark for sending me the most......more

Goodreads review by Kellie on January 22, 2023

4.5 star rating from me! Review coming when I feel better. I'm feeling somewhat better than yesterday. Now for my review. To be very honest, I've been struggling with what to write about this book because it left me with conflicting emotions. So all I can say is that I will write down my likes and di......more

Quotes

“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

“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

“An absolute delight; an exceptional, immersive work of historical fiction.” Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author

“Inspiring, heartwarming, and ultimately triumphant.” Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author

“What a remarkable woman—and what an enthralling story!” Janet Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author

Awards

  • AudioFile Earphones Award
  • SheReads.com Pick
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