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The Instrumentalist

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The Instrumentalist

By: Harriet Constable
Narrated by: Emilia Clarke, Harriet Constable
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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable, read by the Emmy nominated actor and Games of Thrones star Emilia Clarke.

Nominated for Best Performance: Narrator at The Speakies (The British Audio Awards).

The Times top ten bestseller

‘As tightly tuned as a thriller’ Telegraph
‘A marvel’ Kiran Millwood Hargrave
‘Compelling, vividly described magic’ Observer
‘Historical fiction as it should be written’ Mail on Sunday
‘Remarkable’ New York Times

Anna Maria may have no name, no fortune, no family. But she has her ambition, and her talent.

Her best hope lies in her teacher, Antonio Vivaldi. Soon she is his star pupil.

But as Anna Maria’s star rises, not everyone is happy. Because Anna Maria’s shining light threatens to eclipse that of her mentor…

She will leave her mark, whatever it takes. Her story will be heard.

‘A compassionate coming-of-age tale … Constable understands the power music has to sustain us’ Observer
‘Had me spellbound from start to finish’ Emma Stonex
‘Constable infuses historical fact with richly wrought fictional details, to investigate admiration and resentment, ego and legacy’ i paper
‘A whirlwind of all-consuming, dizzying ambition … Spectacularly imagined’ Mail on Sunday
‘Vibrates with colour and passion … I was completely swept up’ Elodie Harper
‘An immersive, impassioned tale full of colour and sound’ Guardian©2024 Harriet Constable (P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Historical Fiction
All stars
Most relevant
Beautiful, evocative, varying pace like the music it describes. Deliciously crafted words that bring to the surface a story that's been submerged by the years (and the men like Vivaldi who kept the origins of his music shrouded in mystery). Bravo Harriet, can't wait to read what you write next (or see this adapted for the screen!)

Evocative, meaningful magic

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One of the best books I’ve read this year well researched beautifully written and perfect narration five stars absolutely

Brilliant lyrical and fascinating

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Great narration and storytelling. A fascinating time and loved inhabiting the world of Anna Maria, what a great heroine! Loved her. Great to discover this author thank you.

Great narration and storytelling.

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Historical fiction at its finest. A journey into Venice and the classical music of the 1700’s. Just fabulous!
The narration by Emilia Clarke was also excellent.
Do yourself a favour if you’re a fan of historical fiction, this is one I would listen to again.

Beautifully written!

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The narrator was excellent and the authors knowledge and story telling was top rate
Hard to put down . I loved this book!

Totally captivating

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