The Instrumentalist By Harriet Constable

In 1704 Venice, a city where opulence masks the grim reality of poverty, the Ospedale della Piet serves as a sanctuary for abandoned orphan girls, who are left through a small gap in the wall each day. Among them is eight-year-old Anna Maria, a prodigious talent with an unwavering desire to become Venice's greatest violinist and composer. Despite the overwhelming odds faced by orphaned girls, Anna Maria's exceptional musical ability sets her apart from the other three hundred girls growing up within the Piet's walls.

When the maestro recognizes her potential and selects her as his star pupil, Anna Maria dedicates herself entirely to her craft, determined to meet the demands of her brilliant but exacting mentor. As her skills flourish, Anna Maria begins to outshine even her teacher, a development that puts her lifelong dream at risk.

This novel traces Anna Maria's journey from the austere halls of the Piet to the dazzling palaces of Venice, navigating the city's vibrant yet treacherous world of music and ambition. It is a story of perseverance in the face of adversity, of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of greatness, and of the inevitable losses that come with success. Through Anna Maria's eyes, the novel explores themes of ambition, talent, and the bittersweet reality of leaving people behind on the path to achieving one's dreams. Set against the backdrop of Venice’s contrasting beauty and squalor, it is a tale of triumph, loss, and the indelible marks left by those we choose to remember.