THE INSTRUMENTALIST BY HARRIET CONSTABLE

BOOK NAME: THE INSTRUMENTALIST

AUTHOR NAME: HARRIET CONSTABLE

GENRE: HISTORICAL FICTION

PUBLISHER: BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING

BOOK BUY LINK: https://amzn.in/d/9110WxJ


BOOK COVER IMAGE



BOOK REVIEW

Anna Maria della Pieta, remember the name.


I have hardly heard of this person before reading this book. Strangely, many women of worth get buried in history, among several other names, until someone decides to talk for them. I am glad I read this book. Now I know about Anna Maria and her incredible talent that history has forgotten.


Anna Maria, an orphan born in Venice to a sex worker, was abandoned at the ‘Pieta’, an orphanage with girls who shared a similar fate. She became interested in music early in life and soon became a part of the famous ‘figlie di coro’. She was inspired and tutored by Antonio Vivaldi, an extraordinary violinist and composer of his time. He took a special interest in Anna Maria, who swept him over with her musical prowess. 


While following her teacher’s footsteps, she discovered many secrets hidden in the ‘Pieta’ and ‘figlie’. Anna Maria, who once wanted to become his unique student, then wanted nothing more than to be recognised. But is it possible for a woman to prove her worth in a man’s world in a male-dominated field? This book is an outstanding work of fiction based on the real life of Anna Maria and how she managed to become the ‘Maestra di Coro’ (Master of Music) at the ‘Pieta’. 


I loved every bit of this book. I cannot emphasise how much Anna Maria’s achievements made me feel relieved and happy for her. She could have been a terrible friend throughout the book, but the decisions she had to make for herself were hard and came at the cost of her friendship. I understand why she had to do what she did, even though I felt furious at those very moments. 


The storytelling was impactful and crisp. I also liked how the author used the original names of the girls in the orchestra. Anna Maria was inspiring and grew on me as I kept reading. Not just her but also Chiara, Elisabetta and Paulina. Also, this was my first book based on a musical journey, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 


I would strongly recommend this book for everyone, especially if you are looking for outspoken female protagonists with an inspiring journey or a book based on the life of musicians. 


MY REVIEW: 5/5

This is a part of Blogchatter’s #TBRChallenge

#penbooksandscalpel





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