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.
Pockets
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
Sun Runner
π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
Mr. Lucky
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
RawSkills
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
King Bass
πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Carrot Joker
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits β so cool!
Easy Street
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
RiddleRover
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly.
Spontan8ty
π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch.
Mr. Gadget
I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ
Mud Finger
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Back Bett
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Hog Butcher
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
Sweetness
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§
Gothic Slacker
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Bad Beh8vior
πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ±
LuminaLore
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing.
Dream Killer
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback.
DuckDuck
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Uluru Walker
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure.
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