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.
LoreLoomer
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook!
Die Slice
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§ Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Dewdrop Doll
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨ Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner.
Pepper Mouse
This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
101
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go.
Cujo
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Mad Kid
Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Nutmeg Riot
ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge.
DreamWeaver
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Doll Champagne
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Sw33per
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π±
Blister
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Crumb Cake
ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Fadey
The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
Midnight Bat
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
LocKz
The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Abiss
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Cowboy Booter
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
Freeze Queen
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze.
HighBomber
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer β I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
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