We’re absolutely delighted to see the publication of the long anticipated debut fiction, The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable, out today in hardback with Bloomsbury UK. Set in the tumultuous life of Venice in the early 18th century, this enthralling and immersive tale is inspired by the true-story of Anna Maria della Pietà an orphan and gifted violinist living in the Ospedale della Pietà, who goes on to become one of the greatest musicians of the century. Shimmering with lyricism and vivid storytelling, The Instrumentalist transports readers into the mind of a composer and performer, to show the roots of classical music as they have never been told before.
The book has already received glowing endorsements from fellow authors and rave press reviews ahead of launch:
‘A stunning story written in prose as vibrant as the music it depicts. The Instrumentalist is a beautiful tale of resilience and survival in the face of impossible odds, and brings a much needed voice to a lost part of musical history’
Isabelle Schuler
‘I was completely swept up into the intense world of Venice’s forgotten orchestra of orphans, where the girls’ hopes, dreams and relationships are movingly drawn.’
Elodie Harper
‘An enthralling novel, which viscerally transports you to eighteenth-century Venice and revives the lost story of a phenomenal woman; a lovingly rendered account of passion, struggle and the power of music’
Harpers Bazaar
‘Constable richly portrays the city’s opulence and its seedy underside, and she charms in her portrayal of her fiery young protagonist. This will appeal to fans of historicals with strong female leads.’
Publishers Weekly
‘A richly detailed and evocative reimagining of the life of Anna Maria della Pieta.’
Red Magazine
If you haven’t already, you can get your copy here
Congratulations Harriet on this huge success!
