Naomi Weisman is the writer of Nomi's Pics, and the editor of the Rambler Cafe Blog. She is a Canadian-Australian mother of three who loves to Ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable really spoke to me when I was putting together the 2025 reading list. As a lover of music, rich historical storytelling, stories based on actual events, and strong female characters, I knew The Instrumentalist had to earn a place in the inaugural SSR Book Club Challenge. It promised everything I look for in a great read—a compelling setting, a heroine with grit and ambition, and a narrative that weaves art, history, and resilience into something unforgettable.
About the Author
Harriet Constable is a London-based journalist and documentary filmmaker whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Economist, and the BBC. She is a Pulitzer Center grantee, a Royal Society of Arts fellow, and a lifelong musician who grew up surrounded by classical music. The Instrumentalist is her debut novel and was named one of The Guardian’s Ten Best New Novelists of 2024.
Summary
Set in 18th-century Venice, The Instrumentalist follows the life of Anna Maria della Pietà, a gifted young musician raised in a renowned orphanage and music school for girls. Under the guidance of celebrated composer Antonio Vivaldi, Anna Maria’s extraordinary talent flourishes. But the path to artistic recognition is shaped by the constraints of her time, the politics of the music world, and the power dynamics between teacher and pupil. Blending rich historical detail with sensory lyricism, the novel explores the transformative power of art, the resilience of women, and the cost of ambition.
Themes
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Female Ambition – The struggle for recognition in a male-dominated artistic world.
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Mentorship & Power – The fine line between guidance and control.
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Art & Identity – How creative expression shapes selfhood and legacy.
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Sisterhood – Solidarity among women in restrictive environments.
Questions to Ponder
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How does the Venetian setting influence the mood and tone of the novel?
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In what ways does the teacher–student relationship drive the story’s tension?
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How are women’s opportunities for creative expression shaped—or limited—by the historical moment?
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Which sensory descriptions stood out to you, and how did they affect your reading experience?
The Instrumentalist is more than a historical novel—it’s a celebration of creativity, perseverance, and the power of women’s voices in a world that too often tries to silence them. Whether you’re drawn in by its musical heart, its richly imagined Venice, or its unforgettable heroine, this story will leave you reflecting on the legacy of art and the resilience it takes to create it. As you turn the final page, may it inspire you to listen more deeply—not only to music, but to the stories that history almost forgot.
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I enjoyed The Instrumentalist for a variety of reasons. It portrayed the reality of thousands of women’s lives during this and, many eras if not most, of history. Frightful conditions and circumstances faced by unknowing, unaware, uninformed women with no alternatives. Clearly the lucky ones reached the Pieta and those with exceptional talent escaped the marriage market or menial tasks for life. Anna Maria was obviously brillant. Her lack of humanity illustrated in her inability to see beyond herself in critical junctures if not throughout until the closing chapters.. Women had virtually no options at that time and the church did both good and ill to them. I felt the use of colour that overtook her during oergormance, practice and creation both enlightening in the brillance of her mind and a bit overdone by the author.. maybe a bit forced. The mentor teacher student relationship was a driving force for both of them… predictable as well. In all, she had good fortune and belatedly learned the value of true friendship. An easy and interesting read particularly vecause Anna Maria truly lived
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