The Invincible Miss Cust: A Novel [B1200]

2022 PB. Historical fiction 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. 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.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "A great story of believing in yourself and your dreams even in the midst of adversity. A lovely read. Would recommend."; "Reading about Aleen Cust's life and her struggle to be recognized officially as a veterinarian surgeon made me appreciate even more the women who came before me and cleared a path for working women. That her family tossed her aside as an embarrassment is incredibly sad and indicative of their ignorance. Easy for me to say 100 years later, but I can't imagine being ostracized from your family for wanting to work with and help animals. Bravo Miss Cust! I wish I could have met you, I think we would have been fast friends."; "While this is historical "fiction," it is very much based on fact. It is the true story of Aleen Cust, the first woman to attend Veterinary College in the 1800's. The writing was very good, and I really enjoyed learning Aleen's story."