Book description
Imagine hearing a story where every note of music feels like it's vibrating inside you. That's The Instrumentalist on audio, and it's utterly captivating. Harriet Constable doesn't just tell Anna Maria's story-she makes you feel her silent hunger, her desperate need to be heard. You'll be spellbound from the first whisper of Vivaldi's violin, pulled into a world where ambition is as sharp as a bow on a string. The Telegraph was right: it's "tightly tuned as a thriller," but this is a thriller of the soul, where every rising note carries the weight of rivalry, resentment, and the fierce, fragile hope of a girl with no name but everything to prove.
The audiobook is pure magic. You don't just read about Anna Maria's talent-you hear the way it transforms, the way Vivaldi's mentorship ignites something unstoppable. And when her star begins to eclipse his, the tension isn't just in the plot; it's in the silence between the notes, the way the narrator lets you feel that quiet, dangerous shift. As Kiran Millwood Hargrave said, it's a "marvel," and that's because Constable doesn't just write history-she breathes life into it. The Guardian called it "full of colour and sound," and that's exactly how it lands on audio: vibrant, immersive, a feast for the ears. You'll feel the velvet of the Venetian opera house, smell the ink on Vivaldi's scores, and ache with Anna Maria as she fights to claim her place in a world that wants her invisible.
What makes this so special is how it balances the grand sweep of history with intimate, human stakes. It's "historical fiction as it should be written," as the Mail on Sunday put it, because Constable never lets facts overshadow feeling. You're swept up in Anna Maria's dizzying ambition-not just to play, but to be, to leave a mark that can't be erased. The Observer called it a "compassionate coming-of-age tale," and that's the heart of it: this is about music as a lifeline, as proof that you matter. When the narrator delivers lines like "Her story will be heard," you don't just hear the words-you feel the echo of every voice that's ever been silenced.
This isn't just a great book; it's a experience you'll carry with you long after the final note fades. Elodie Harper was right: "Vibrates with colour and passion... I was completely swept up." And that's the gift of the audiobook-it doesn't just tell you Anna Maria's story. It lets you live it, breath by breath, note by note. For anyone who's ever felt invisible, who's ever fought for their voice, this isn't just a book. It's a reminder: sometimes, the loudest music is the one you never knew you were making.
ChatterChampion
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Gold Bentley
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
NecroBull
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation.
Swan Mustang
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Mt. Indiana
Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Lady Q
ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
WanderWord
With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. 🎶 Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators – audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. 🎵📚 Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
BoomerBox
Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Delicious
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled.
Twix Bond
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient. Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset.
180
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss.
Overrun
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. 👀📚 Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page – this app is a bedtime dream! 😴🎧
JesterZilla
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side.
Abyss Tamer
No more hassle with converting files – ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. Audiobooks made delightful – this app's usability is a breath of fresh air.
Criss Cross
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Stacker of Wheat
Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Hyper
No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze – thank you, app developers! ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Unseen
🎙️ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level – audiobooks make it an adventure! 🛒📚 Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests.
ForumFlare
I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Cool Iris
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. 📚 The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. 📱📖 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience