The Instrumentalist By Harriet Constable

In 1704 Venice, the Ospedale della Piet serves as both a sanctuary and prison for orphaned girls, where desperation exists alongside the city's opulent grandeur. Among the three hundred girls growing up within the Piet's walls is eight-year-old Anna Maria, who possesses an extraordinary gift for music. She is driven by a fierce ambition to become Venice's greatest violinist and composer, a rarity for an orphan in a city where wealth and power determine success.

Anna Maria's talents are recognized by the maestro of the Ospedale, who selects her as his star pupil. Under his guidance, she flourishes, but the path to greatness is fraught with challenges. As Anna Maria's skill and fame begin to surpass her mentor's, the delicate balance of their relationship shifts. Torn between her loyalty to the maestro and her own soaring aspirations, Anna Maria must navigate the complexities of ambition, mentorship, and the sacrifices demanded by her dream.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Venice's canals, palaces, and hidden corners, this story explores the tension between ambition and personal cost. As Anna Maria rises to prominence, she faces difficult choices about whom she must leave behind and what she is willing to sacrifice for success. A tale of perseverance, genius, and the hidden lives of women in a patriarchal world, this novel illuminates the power of music, ambition, and the human spirit in overcoming impossible odds. 📚❤️