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A review by penguinna
The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
After reading the blurb about a violinist in one of my favorite cities – Venice – I was very excited. However, it took me three months to finish this book, and for much of that time, I had to force myself to continue.
The writing style mirrors the main character perfectly. Anna Maria della Pietà is dry, cold, dark, and bold. As an unwanted child, she was pushed through a hole into Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage for girls where they were taught music.
Anna Maria is filled with ruthless determination to become the best musician the world has ever known. Undoubtedly, she has talent – she can see notes in colors, and Maestro Antonio Vivaldi notices her. A strong female main character – what more could I ask for?
However, Anna Maria is not a lovable character: she consistently chooses herself over her friends, even when they need her most. I tried to admire her confidence and self-assuredness, but in the end, I could only feel disdain. She always gets what she wants at the expense of those who love her, and is always forgiven after a dry apology. She never faces any significant challenges, except for Vivaldi not mentioning her as a co-author. Anna Maria feels vengeful towards him, but the climax of the story – the revenge – felt rushed and weak to me.
The Instrumentalist is billed as historical fiction, and I feel upset that Anna Maria is presented as a villain. The author herself said that there is little evidence about Anna Maria’s life and that she wanted to tell her story, sometimes imagining things. Unfortunately, after this book, Anna Maria will not be remembered as a virtuous musician but as a tough, cruel, and unlikable person.
I feel very sad that I disliked this book because Anna Maria’s story had so much potential.
Expected publication: August 15, 2024. Thank you to Tandem Global for providing the ARC.
⚡ More reviews by me on instagram: @penguinna_books
The writing style mirrors the main character perfectly. Anna Maria della Pietà is dry, cold, dark, and bold. As an unwanted child, she was pushed through a hole into Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage for girls where they were taught music.
Anna Maria is filled with ruthless determination to become the best musician the world has ever known. Undoubtedly, she has talent – she can see notes in colors, and Maestro Antonio Vivaldi notices her. A strong female main character – what more could I ask for?
However, Anna Maria is not a lovable character: she consistently chooses herself over her friends, even when they need her most. I tried to admire her confidence and self-assuredness, but in the end, I could only feel disdain. She always gets what she wants at the expense of those who love her, and is always forgiven after a dry apology. She never faces any significant challenges, except for Vivaldi not mentioning her as a co-author. Anna Maria feels vengeful towards him, but the climax of the story – the revenge – felt rushed and weak to me.
The Instrumentalist is billed as historical fiction, and I feel upset that Anna Maria is presented as a villain. The author herself said that there is little evidence about Anna Maria’s life and that she wanted to tell her story, sometimes imagining things. Unfortunately, after this book, Anna Maria will not be remembered as a virtuous musician but as a tough, cruel, and unlikable person.
I feel very sad that I disliked this book because Anna Maria’s story had so much potential.
Expected publication: August 15, 2024. Thank you to Tandem Global for providing the ARC.
⚡ More reviews by me on instagram: @penguinna_books