I happen to really like Eveline Hasler as an author. She is Swiss and writes semi-biographical books, often starting from historical fact and then investigating, sometimes extrapolating (but not into wild or off-the-wall areas). I can highly recommend any of her books, but unfortunately, apart from her books for children, only one of her novels has been translated into English: Flying With Wings of Wax: The Story of Emily Kempin-Spyri.

Emily Kempin-Spyri, niece of Johanna Spyri, author of "Heidi", was the first woman in Europe to earn a law degree, from the University of Zurich in 1887 - and was prohibited from practicing law. Kempin emigrated with her family to New York City in 1888, where she established and taught the first law classes for women, but was persuaded to return in 1891 to Zurich, where her professional status remained unchanged. Frustrated and despondent, Kempin ended her life in an asylum.

So... not an easy, relaxing read - but fascinating!