The Invincible Miss Cust: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Everyone kept telling her no, but Aleen Cust stopped at nothing to become Britain's first female veterinary surgeon

Drawn to animals at a very young age, Aleen Cust (b. 1868 and d. 1937) was an English aristocrat who battled the odds to become Britain and Ireland's first woman veterinary surgeon. She was shunned by her family who was mortified by her ambitions to be educated and work for a living.

Despite having successfully trained in Scotland, she was prohibited from qualifying by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) based solely on her gender. Nonetheless, Aleen practiced as a vet without a license for twenty-two years before receiving her diploma in 1922. During this time, she worked in Ireland with a vanguard Irish vet, Willie Byrne. Despite their differenceshe was Irish Catholic, working class, and a nationalist and she was a noblewoman and Protestantthey had a passionate love affair. After his tragic death, Aleen defied the RCVS yet again and took herself to the Western Front to work with the military horses during World War I.

For readers of Marie Benedict, Tracey Enerson Wood, and James Herriot comes an engaging tale of ambition, inspiration, and love, based on the true story of a woman ahead of her time, who defied the patriarchy, society, and her family's wishes to pursue a career in a science-based field, paving the way for other women in veterinary science.

'A skillfully told story of an extraordinary woman's grit, determination, and devotion to her dream of becoming Great Britain's first female veterinary surgeon. Haw brings Aleen Cust to vivid life, from her aristocratic but stifled childhood to her difficult days at school, to her eventual acceptance as a highly skilled vetall the while fighting a patriarchal system designed to thwart her every step. Detailed and evocative, The Invincible Miss Cust is an engrossing read.' Shana Ab, New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor

Reviews

"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. Readers are sure to adore and admire Aleen Cust for her compassion for animals as well as her courage as they follow the unpredictable twists and turns of her enthralling story." -- Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Switchboard Soldiers
"The Invincible Miss Cust is the gripping true story of a young woman who dreams of becoming a veterinary surgeon. Aleen Cust is a determined free spirit whose love for animals surpasses the challenges and hardships faced by a woman pursuing a profession in the 1890's, a time when women were rarely allowed to dream of an education or a career. Readers of James Herriot will find this a delightful, inspiring read" -- Julia Bryan Thomas, author of For Those Who Are Lost
"A gripping story of one woman's unrelenting quest to treat and care for our four-legged friends. Readers will be rooting for Aleen as she comes up against and triumphs over a mountain of obstacles. A must-read for all animal lovers." -- Rene Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces
"A skillfully told story of an extraordinary woman's grit, determination, and devotion to her dream of becoming Great Britain's first female veterinary surgeon. Haw brings Aleen Cust to vivid life, from her aristocratic but stifled childhood to her difficult days at school, to her eventual acceptance as a highly skilled vet--all the while fighting a patriarchal system designed to thwart her every step. Detailed and evocative, The Invincible Miss Cust is an engrossing read." -- Shana Ab, New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor
"A vivid, compelling story of a daring and determined woman. Emotionally rich and bringing light to an incredible life and legacy, you won't want to miss this inspiring novel of England's first female veterinary surgeon." -- Audrey Blake, USA Today bestselling author of The Girl in His Shadow
"An amazing story! The Invincible Miss Cust introduces readers to Aleen Cust, Britain and Ireland's first female veterinary surgeon, and we are better for the acquaintance. 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
"Haw's crisp prose, engaging narrative, and thoughtful storytelling (not to mention her clear love of animals, ) seamlessly blends fact and fiction to immerse the reader in the innermost world of the fiercely independent and indomitable Aleen Cust. This work of historical fiction is a powerful portrait of an inspiring woman whose stubborn determination and passion for her calling drove her to defy her family's wishes, stand up to the sexist norms of society, and take the reins of her own life no matter the cost. Bravo!" -- Samantha Greene Woodruff, author of The Lobotomist's Wife
"Haw's debut historical novel is carefully researched, with well-rounded characters. 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
"I loved The Invincible Miss Cust. The book is an important reminder of how hard women have had to fight for the right to work and study. From Ireland to France, I enjoyed every moment of Aleen Cust's unpredictable journey. What a remarkable woman--and what an enthralling story!" -- Janet Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library
"I loved this gripping and inspirational book! Aleen Cust's...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
"Penny Haw takes us deep into the heart and choices of Aleen Cust, who defied convention to become Britain's first woman veterinary surgeon. A vivid, beautifully written, and compelling novel." -- Louisa Treger, author of Madwoman and The Dragon Lady

SheReads Best Historical Fiction of 2022 Finalist!

Author Bio

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.