Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran

Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp Reviews

• 
  Marquise

  "Well, it's not exactly our life story," Maria says. There's silence for several moments as she gathers her thoughts. "But our love for God and family was there, and this is what has always been most important." Beside her, all five of her children nod, even Rupert, in spire of having been transformed into a girl named Liesl.

  
  
  More than a novel about the life of Maria von Trapp, this is a novel about the making of the musical The Sound of Music based on a portion of her life. Indeed, for those that don't know, before the more famous 1965 film with the same title, there was a Broadway musical created in 1959 by Rodgers & Hammerstein, on which the hit film is based.
  
  But before this musical there was a German film from 1956, "Die Trapp Familie," based on Maria's own autobiography. Thus, The Sound of Music is a retelling not of the original memoirs but of a fictionalisation of said memoirs. A retelling of a retelling, if you will.
  
  And Maria von Trapp hated it. Hated it so much she wrote to Oscar Hammerstein bluntly demanding answers to why it was so different to her real story and demanding changes to the script. Fearing the ruinous effects of bad press on his yet-to-début production were a disgruntled Maria to complain to the media if her demands weren't heard, Hammerstein sends his assistant to dine and wine the old Austrian folk singer and appease her. And so, through the fictional character of Fran Connelly, we learn about the "true story" of The Trapp Family Singers' matriarch and her talented offspring from herself in the course of a few conversations.
  
  I will be honest, I failed to empathise with Maria's opposition to the Hammerstein musical from the beginning. As it was portrayed in this novel, she comes across as an uncouth country bumpkin wilfully ignorant of the intricacies of storytelling who makes unreasonable demands of a musical that's not even based on her memoirs, the rights to which she is aware she sold to the German filmmakers that in turn sold them to the Americans next. What is there to complain about, really? We are told over and over that she is very upset with the changes, but for half the book we don't see big differences: it's essentially the same story. Is Maria this oblivious about how scripts work? Apparently, yes, because when it's pointed out to her that half of the story is still truthful, she objects that the other half is radically different and that's what upsets her.
  
  But in the second half, the "radical differences" turn out to be creative liberties taken so as to make the story lively and entertaining, and fit for the stage, and cram years of events in two hours of story. Things like that the Baroness Matilda and Princess Yvonne are condensed in one single character, that Father Wasner is omitted, that the love story between Georg and Maria was made reciprocal instead of starting one-sided as it really was, that the Nazis coming to power is sped up to fit the story's timeline, and that the von Trapps flee hiking over the Alps to Switzerland instead of by train to Italy. All these are things Maria tells Fran were the truth, unlike in the musical.
  
  But I have to ask: do all these changes alter the essence of Maria's and the von Trapps' story in The Sound of Music? Do these changes make the story so radically different as to be unrecognisable?
  
  In my opinion, no. And eventually, after much talking and fussing about changes minor and major, by the end of the book Maria is forced to admit as much and grudgingly utters the words in the opening quote above.
  
  The one thing that was changed which did sound sympathetic to complain about to me was: the personalities of Georg von Trapp and Maria Kutschera were switched in the musical (and later in the film); the Baron as the humourless disciplinarian and the novice nun as the cheery and indulgent ray of sunshine. Turns out that it was the other way round, something I wasn't aware of (I'm not into von Trapp lore and am only a casual fan of the story, you see), so I can readily say this is what I liked best in this novel. Maria is flawed, more flawed than people may realise, and those flaws aren't omitted or switched in this book. She was very rigid, a harsh disciplinarian, a bad listener, a petty household tyrant, was domineering, tactless, undiplomatic and, more shockingly, abusive towards her children (she forced one to sing at all costs despite mental health breakdowns and severe stage fright, and locked another in her room to prevent a marriage to a boyfriend of over a decade). She wasn't saintly at all, but she also was a stubborn fighter and with an admirable determination to survive and thrive; and I enjoyed the second half of the book much more for this nuance.
  
  However, I didn't love the structure of the book. It's written in third person present tense ("She does . . .") from beginning to end, all three POVs are in present tense, a writing style I'm not a fan of. But more importantly, the narrative structure in the beginning is terrible: a flashback by Maria, and then a flashback by Maria inside a flashback also by Maria. The bigger problem with this memory lane structure for Maria's POVs is that it makes the whole novel so infodumpy and so full of "As you know, Bobs" that you feel like you're being spoonfed the entirety of Maria's life with a large spoon. Hers was a long life, she lived past 80, so to try to cram so much of it into a medium-sized novel like this means we get an overabundance of these: flashbacks, long expository dialogue, "As You Know, Bob," historical event summaries, monologues, tell & no show, and many, many time jumps . . . It's an enormous pile of infodump throughout the book. And it makes it all the more ironic that this novel's plot premise is that the fictional story isn't true to the real story, because this novel is an example of why it was necessary to change things for the sake of storytelling.
  
  And speaking of storytelling, Hammerstein's one single chapter was too out of the blue and its contents could've been transferred to Fran without having to insert a new POV so suddenly. I also would've discarded Fran's side arc of trying to become a writer and her romances. It was bloat anyway, and didn't do much to make Fran feel less of a plot device mouthpiece to deliver as the plot needed. There would've been more room for Maria's life in the United States to be told in this novel instead of hurriedly summed up in a few lines at Hammerstein's last dinner. This was supposed to tell her true life's story, wasn't it? But at times, it loses place of preference to a fictional wannabe author. We do get Maria in Maria, yes, but not as much as we could have with a better plot and narration structure.
  
  I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
  
  
• 
  Rosh

  In a Nutshell: A historical fiction focussing on Maria von Trapp’s life, leading up to her issues with the Broadway adaptation. Mostly faithful to facts, but it is still fiction, so it has the usual fictional garnishes. A great option for ‘The Sound of Music’ fans who want to know the reality of the Von Trapp family, which is not at all as depicted in the movie.
  
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  Plot Preview:
  

  1959, New York. Fran Connelly, who works at Oscar Hammerstein’s office, is assigned an important task. She has to calm down the furious Maria Von Trapp, who wants the Broadway team to cull some of the creative edits made to her life story’s stage adaptation. Through their interactions, we learn more about Maria’s childhood, her arrival in the Von Trapp house, and their life together in Austria and later in the USA.
  The story comes *mostly* over two timelines, and *mostly* in Maria’s first-person perspective and Fran’s third-person perspective, all written in the present tense.

  
  
  If you are a fan of ‘The Sound of Music’ and believed everything in it to be true, this book might come as a rude awakening. Thankfully, while I love the movie (or rather, its music), I knew that some of the story was fictionalised. Just how much of the truth had been stretched is something I discovered only recently when I read the first of Maria Von Trapp’s three memoirs: ‘
  The Story of the Trapp Family Singers’. In fact, I had read the memoir as a preparatory assignment for this novel; I wanted to see if the factual memoir and the fictional novel worked in harmony.
  
  The memoir, while not being outstanding, taught me much about Maria and the experiences of the Trapp family beyond what was shown in the movie. However, something had kept nagging at me, especially as Maria’s anecdotes seemed to be overly positive. While reading this book, I finally identified what was bugging me so much. As common with memoir writers, Maria Von Trapp had chosen to be sparing with the truth, reporting only as much as would present a picture-perfect enviable image of the family. The other side of the story is not so harmonious [pun intended.] This book has everything that was missing in the memoir - emotions, struggles, complaints, rebellion, mental breakdowns… It’s more human and realistic.
  
  This novel does an exceptional job of presenting a holistic picture, revealing Maria’s personality in all its shades, which comes as a not-so-pleasant revelation. As the writing is in Maria’s first person, it is interesting to see her trying to justify some of her behaviour even when she can see the harm of her actions. Many a time, she is utterly unaware of the damage she has caused, until it is too late. I appreciate how the book didn’t turn Maria into a saint just because she's the titular character and such a beloved cultural icon thanks to the movie.
  
  Of course, Maria’s issues with the changes in the Broadway script are somewhat justified; no one would like so much of a manipulation of their life story when it is meant for public eyes. (Ironic that Maria hated the Broadway producers for taking liberties with her life story when she herself did the same while writing her memoir!) Then again, her approach seems simultaneously naïve and dogmatic. When she signed away the rights to her book to the German production company, she gave up the controlling power. The first German movie that was based on her memoir should have prepared her better.
  
  I found it interesting to learn the reasons of the production team behind the edits. I still don’t think it is right to alter a true story so much, and even change a person’s nature completely. If you remember the movie, it was Maria who was the light-hearted, fun-loving girl while Captain Georg was the ill-humoured disciplinarian. Reality was exactly the opposite. But luckily or unluckily for Maria, the Broadway team made her the angel of the story, and poor Captain Georg will always be known as the grump who changed his colours after finding love.
  
  As regards the writing, the novel does a mostly great job. I loved how this book includes Maria’s childhood struggles and Captain Georg’s life pre-Maria, both of which were missing in her memoir. Maria’s first-person chapters retain her naturally self-confident tone. One minor detail that I truly appreciated was how the author clarified that the swastika is the ancient symbol of the Hindus and was twisted and misused by the Nazis. So many Westerners don’t know this! I also loved how it offered insights into the life of the children. They were a vital part of the Trapp Family Singers, and the novel gives them a voice, something Maria forgot to do in her memoir.
  
  That said, no book can be perfect, and this is no exception. Here are the reasons my rating isn’t higher:
  😟 Fran Connelly is fictional, so I wish her personal story (such as her relationship problems or her ambition of becoming an author) had stayed limited.
  
  😟 The single chapter from Oscar Hammerstein's pov didn’t fit in the flow. It should have been eliminated, and its content presented through Fran’s perspective.
  
  😟 The journey was bumpy at the start, with Fran’s 1959 leading to Maria’s 1926 timeline, which went into further flashback to Maria’s 1913 timeline – her childhood. Thankfully, after this chapter, the timelines mostly alternate between 1959 and the 1930s.
  
  😟 The teeny references to Maria’s attraction/desire/strange feelings towards George in the first half of the book. Maria was always clear that there was no attraction towards or romantic relationship with the Captain until their wedding, so these mentions were somewhat annoying, and thankfully disappeared after their marital union. The same goes for the wedding night scene: closed door, but awkward and unbelievable!
  
  😟 A major chunk of the novel is focussed on the part covered by the movie. The later life of the Trapps in the US, where they became the ‘Trapp Family Singers’, gets just the final quarter or so. The US part of Maria’s life should have got equal attention.
  
  In the grand scheme of things, most of these issues are not so prominent as would affect the reading experience. The author’s note and the discussion club questions are the icing on the cake.
  
  
  In short, this book was everything I hoped it would be, and a bit more. Despite the teeny writing issues, I savoured this reading experience and loved to get some realistic clarity behind the saccharine-sweet story presented by both the movie and Maria’s memoir.
  
  As I have read only one of Maria’s three memoirs, I do not know what family details she might have revealed in the remaining two books. But her first memoir indirectly depicted how dominant and adamant she was, and this novelised version confirms it. After reading the memoir, I wanted to know more about the Trapp kids; after reading this novel, I am a bit sorry for them.
  
  Of course, you might not be fond of reading memoirs, especially when they are unreliable. In that case, this novelised version is perfect for you. I loved how the author stated in her exceptional note (don’t skip it!!!) how a novel cannot be based only on a single autobiography. This book hence takes the essentials from both Maria’s and Agathe’s memoirs and offers a complete and fairly accurate glimpse of the family’s experiences.
  
  Definitely recommended to historical fiction readers, and fans of The Sound of Music. Keep in mind though, that this is Maria’s story only up to the release of the musical, when she was 55 years old. She passed away when she was 82, so this isn’t her *life* story, but rather, her ‘Sound of Music’ story and a bit more.
  
  4 stars.
  
  
  My thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing the DRC of “Maria” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
  
  So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night!
  
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• 
  Sujoya(theoverbookedbibliophile)

  4.5⭐️
  
  I’ve never had the privilege of watching the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, but the 1965 movie based on the same has been a favorite of mine ever since I watched it for the first time at the age of seven. Though I was too young to appreciate the more serious themes, I adored Maria and her dynamic with the Trapp children and loved the music. My father, amused by my enthusiastic renditions of the songs ( I can’t sing to save my life, but when has that ever stopped me?), gifted me a copy of the movie (a VHS tape - this was the 1980’s!) - which became one of my most cherished possessions. As I grew older, and rewatched the movie with friends and family more times than I can remember, I began to appreciate the story, (the knowledge that it was inspired by true events rendered the movie even more special), the characters and the themes addressed in the movie more. I remember a discussion I had with a colleague in the early 2000s that prompted me to read up on the true story of the Trapp family. I will admit I was more than a tad disheartened to find out that not only were certain aspects of the story fictionalized, but that Maria was portrayed as quite different from the real Maria von Trapp. However, I was mature enough to appreciate the movie for what it was – an enchanting, fictionalized version of a true story with memorable characters and music that was pure magic!
  
  When I chose to read Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran, I went in well-prepared and not much of what is shared about the true story that inspired the musical/movie came as a surprise. However, I did enjoy this novel and appreciate the research that went into the crafting of this story.
  
  The novel primarily revolves around the making of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1959 Broadway musical and Maria von Trapp’s objections to the creative liberties taken in telling her story. The narrative is presented in dual timelines. The 1959 timeline is, for the most part, shared from the perspective of Fran, Oscar Hammerstein’s secretary, who is tasked with meeting Maria, who after writing a scathing letter voicing her objections, comes to New York to confront the Mr. Hammerstein and demand revisions in the script. The 1926 timeline, which also includes flashbacks from Maria’s earlier years, is shared from Maria's first-person POV.
  
  Maria shares her story with Fran and also shares how the previous movie based on her 1949 memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers (the 1956 German movie Die Trapp-Familie) and the misrepresentation of facts have fractured her bond with her family. She also shares her experiences and the challenges the family faced in the initial years after arriving in the United States. As the narrative progresses, we get to know more about Maria, the Trapp children and Georg, and whether she was ultimately able to convince Mr. Hammerstein to incorporate any of the revisions she requested.
  
  Though the writing might feel a tad disjointed due to the jumping timelines and perspectives, the author eventually brings all the threads of the story together in an incredibly moving ending.
  
  Do read the beautifully-penned Author’s Note where she discusses her inspiration for this novel, the source material she has referenced and the creative liberties she has taken while crafting this story. Maria’s story is one of courage, resilience, love, family, loss and hope and I commend the author for her efforts to bring the true story that inspired the musical and later the movie to a wider audience. The scope of the novel is limited to the making of the musical, but in her note, the author provides a brief glimpse into how the family fared in the years after and I especially appreciated the updates on the Trapp children.
  
  Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would not hesitate to recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction inspired by true events.
  
  Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 30, 2024.
  
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• 
  Michelle Moran

  If you’d like to read a book that knocks your socks off and makes you think, “Now this is the kind of author who deserves a Pulitzer,” this may not be the book for you.
  
  I’m not going to lie. When I sat down to write this novel, I wasn’t in some fantastic cafe sipping an oat milk latte while the muse whispered gently into my ear. Instead, I was sitting at home in my yoga pants, gulping down a coffee I’d microwaved three times while the muse shouted over John the Guitarist next door, who practices for his band at six every morning.
  
  Some books have ad campaigns which tout them as brilliant. Breathtaking. A literary tour de force. MARIA is not that book. MARIA is a plate of warm cookies. The kind your grandmother might have baked. Light. Sweet. Possibly nostalgic.
  
  If this book could give itself its own review it would say, “I’m the book every introvert needs on the train.” This is because I can virtually guarantee that no one is going to stop you while you’re reading and say, “My God, is that the latest Michelle Moran?” unless the rest of that sentence is, “I didn’t know she was still writing.”
  
  But introverts and extroverts alike, be forewarned. As with all things related to the inimitable Maria von Trapp, this will likely renew any obsession you may have had with The Sound Of Music… and you will seek to know more. This is where Maria’s two autobiographies come in, written in 1949 and 1972. It’s also possible you will develop a fascination with Rodgers & Hammerstein, particularly Hammerstein, who really did believe he lived in a world of raindrops on roses and cute whiskered kittens. And should this happen, may I heartily suggest the book, SOMETHING WONDERFUL, which actually does deserve to win a Pulitzer.
  
  In summation, if you're hoping to read this book, I would do so not because it’s the literary tour de force my father always believed I’d research and write, but because you've always adored warm cookies. The soft and gooey ones, in particular.
• 
  Christy fictional_traits

  'The author - as in the woman who wrote the book this play is based on - is standing here demanding changes to the script!'
  
  It's 1959 and Rodgers & Hammerstein are putting the final touches to the musical, 'The Sound of Music'. That is, until Maria von Trapp herself, reads the script, and is horrified how her family's life has been portrayed. Having already been dismayed by an earlier, German, production, 'Die Familie', she is determined to set the story straight. Maria, begins to recount her 'real' story to Fran, an assistant at Rodgers & Hammerstein. And so begins the dual-time tale. As the chasm between the two versions is slowly revealed, it is Maria herself, who begins to understand that sometimes the past needs to give way to the future, and all of the hope the future can hold, 'It's the hardest part of being human. Accepting that even the best things will have to end'.
  
  I found this a very readable, reflection on the renowned musical and delving into who the real Maria was. To be honest, I'd never really thought upon the characters ever being real people. Moran does well to consolidate an amalgamation of biographical information, tweaking it with some creative license, and revealing Maria's story in tandem with the production of the musical. I think any historical fiction fan will appreciate this look behind the curtains of such a celebrated production. Soon you too will be quietly humming 'Edelweiss' between chapters.
  
  '...perhaps I have one more song to write. Something for all...All the difficult goodbyes'.
• 
  Literary Redhead

  The author has written a gorgeous story that will ring in the hearts of those who adore The Sound of Music, who want to know more about the family's complicated matriarch. I loved the narrative that flows like honey, the dual timeline structure that allows us to follow Maria's life as she lived it in Austria, then as she retells it to a fictional assistant to lyricist Oscar Hammerstein in the 1950s, when he was working on a Broadway musical about the von Trapp family.
  
  MARIA the book is as extraordinary as her namesake in that we get to see this beloved woman flaws and all. We find that she wasn't the kind one in the family; her husband was. We learn that as a child, she lived with an abusive uncle, which led to her become controlling, which later alienated her children. We also learn that she married Captain von Trapp because she loved those children. She came to love him later. And, the family did not escape the Germans by hiking over the alps to Switzerland. They took a train to Italy, actually the last train out of Austria when Hitler closed the borders. We see this complex woman as never before.
  
  As soon as I finished MARIA, I watched the film for the umpteenth time and felt overjoyed by both experiences. I give MARIA endless applause and a standing ovation. The Sound of Music and historical fiction fans will love it!
• 
  Annette

  The master storyteller, Michelle Moran, makes a phenomenal come back with a surprising story of Maria von Trapp who was glamorized in The Sound of Music. However, this story gives stage to Maria who tells her side of the story; a woman who was larger than life, who knew what she wanted and went after it.
  
  The story begins with Maria already in NYC in the 1950s confronting Oscar Hammerstein about the lyrics he wrote for a musical based on her life. As Maria expresses her concerns to Oscar’s secretary, she reveals her true story, more complicated and compelling than the glamorized version.
  
  The story goes back to 1926 Salzburg, Austria, where the nineteen year old Maria is a teacher at convent. When this place becomes her home and children like her family, after two years, she is asked to take an assignment. It doesn’t make her happy to leave this homelike feeling place. Something she craved to have from her childhood. But she is promised it’s only for ten months.
  
  When the war hero who loses his wife to scarlet fever asks for a teacher for his seven children, Maria is recognized as the best teacher. Thus, she is asked to take this assignment. The thought of taking orders from a man makes Maria shiver. And she drifts to her childhood story revealing why.
  
  As the story moves backwards, it reveals the traumatic childhood. With each page, the dimensions are breathed into the rebellious character who seeks warmth and family atmosphere. The progressing pages reveal more, that despite Maria’s challenging childhood, her spirit remains joyful as she likes to skip steps, climb the roofs and hop over the chimneys, and tickle people to make them laugh. All that seen as improper at the convent but what makes Maria stand out is her ability to sing and teach children the most songs.
  
  At the von Trapp family’s villa, Maria’s spirit continues to shine despite strict rules of aristocratic traits. She uses a curtain to create dresses for children to play in, something comfortable. They hike when it shines, and sing inside when it rains. Within the short time, not only children get attached to her but also the father. The expected ten months turn into unexpected lifetime with the von Trapp but the happy lives are challenged by financial downfall, war, and exodus.
  
  As it often happens, in hard times, the soulful music becomes balm. That’s how the family faces challenges with music at home, which takes them to an appearance at the music festival, which further sparks the interest of others and gives start to their tours and the legendary movie.
  
  This is a deeply touching story of a remarkable woman who despite life’s challenges remains joyful and kind. Her youthful spirit is contagious which can be felt throughout the pages. With simple prose, this story takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and remarkable spirit.
  
  Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
  
  Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
• 
  *TUDOR^QUEEN*

  I was invited to read this by the publisher, and instantly accepted after having been lured in by the book cover. I have a vague memory as a small child of seeing the movie "The Sound of Music" starring Julie Andrews as Maria Von Trapp. I don't remember a lot of it other than the beginning when Maria spins slowly in her dress, arms aloft, and bursts into song, the gorgeous mountainous backdrop behind her, in addition to some catchy songs from the soundtrack. It hearkens back to a much simpler and wholesome time. Even so, I wasn't particularly eager to read it. So what a welcome surprise that this turned out to be such an engaging and charming offering!
  
  The premise is that composer/lyricist team Rodgers and Hammerstein are producing the theatrical musical version on Broadway in NYC in the late 1950s, and Maria Von Trapp has an ax to grind about the accuracy of the script. She travels to confront them and set the story straight, and she must be handled with kid gloves in case she would give them bad press. Hammerstein's underling Fran is tasked with meeting with Maria Von Trapp to document her concerns, and these launch Von Trapp into telling her life story, from how she became a postulant at the nunnery in Austria, to becoming a teacher for "The Captain's" youngest daughter recovering from scarlet fever at their stately home- etc., etc. I don't want to give away too much for those who don't know the story. Well, the fact is I didn't know a lot of the story, and so was enchanted "hearing" Maria's point of view. Her character was portrayed so authentically. This was an unexpected hit with me as I barreled through this lovely story in a short few days. It has inspired me to watch the movie again (half a century later!) to see how this book marries up with the iconic film version. One of my favorite books of 2024 so far!
  
  Thank you to the publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
• 
  Tammy

  If you’ve enjoyed the movie or musical “The Sound of Music” this is the book for you. I would also recommend this to learn more about that interesting period in history. MARIA is a fictional tale based on Maria von Trapp. It gives you those nostalgic “I remember when” feels in that it takes you back to the first time you watched it, to a place and time that felt magical, an experience that felt unlike any other.
  
  In the 50’s Rogers and Hammerstein were asked to write the lyrics to a new musical based on the life of a woman, Maria von Trapp. Maria wanting her life to be depicted correctly went to see Hammerstein, but instead was sent to his secretary whom she relayed her life’s story to. The book goes back and forth between Maria telling the actual story of her life, and the time of when the musical was being written in the 1950's.
  
  If you’re wondering what is truth and what is fiction in the musical, this will help curb that curiosity. Maria’s real story is that of a young woman who lived a tragic life fighting tooth and nail to keep her family safe and intact. You will understand Maria in a different context than what Hollywood told. Moran has written such a fascinating story that I immediately wanted to rewatch the movie after finishing the book. Excellent. ❥ 4.5 stars — 7/30/24
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
• 
  Debbie

  If you've always believed that the life of Maria von Trapp was only that which was idealized in The Sound of Music, then think again. This new novel by Michelle Moran is a fascinating, honest and richly woven story about Maria and her world-famous family, as well as the entertainment industry in the 1950s.
  
  I chose to read this book for two reasons:
  1. Michelle Moran has long been a favorite historical fiction author of mine, and
  2. I have always loved the movie The Sound of Music, since the time I was a little girl.
  
  In 1959, in New York City, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein are in the process of putting the final touches on their newest Broadway musical The Sound of Music when much to their chagrin the actual Maria von Trapp shows up to tell them what is wrong with the script. Told in dual timelines, Maria meets with Mr. Hammerstein's secretary several times to reveal the inconsistencies between the script and what actually happened in real life. The film and the play were to be a story that was "loosely based" on Maria's life story, but Maria and her family were concerned that people would assume that it was all true. Unfortunately, for them, Maria had sold the rights to her story to a German company which was then sold to Mary Martin (who would play Maria on stage) and her husband, Richard Halliday. Twentieth Century Fox would eventually be allowed to film a movie using the same script. Maria received 3/8 of one percent of the profits!
  
  Beginning with a flashback to Austria in the early 1900s readers learn, much like in the original movie, how Maria became a part of the von Trapp family. By 1937, the renamed Trapp Family Choir had become known as "the most talented family in Europe" while traveling extensively and meeting Kings and Queens and the Pope.
  
  Though The Sound of Music became a resounding success and was a "feel good" play and movie, life does not always imitate art and their lives were not all hearts, roses (or edelweiss), and music. The story reveals what happened to the family once the Nazis took over Austria and the von Trapp family took asylum in America and how Maria's drive and ambition caused the family to fall apart. (Sigh)
  
  The author does an astounding job of retelling the parts of the story that we have all come to know and love as well as the truth of Maria's traits and true character and the family's struggles. I especially appreciated all of the additional information that was included in the Author's Note at the end of the book and the update of what happened to each of the family members.
  
  My sincere thanks to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this beautiful novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Publication date: July 30, 2024.
• 
  Alisha

  The irony is not lost on me that this is a fictionalized account of a woman who objected to... a fictionalized account of her life. And yet! Michelle Moran nailed it. I thought the story was beautifully done, gently and sensitively handled, and finely balanced between the lovable and the difficult parts of Maria's character.
  Anyone who has seen The Sound of Music can probably recall the main story beats--the stern disciplinarian captain, the ray of sunshine Maria, the seven singing children, and the daring getaway over the mountains to Switzerland. In the frame story of this book, Hammerstein's young assistant meets with Maria von Trapp to discuss her concerns over the production's accuracy. Maria peels back the layers of invention to tell her own story. Some of the events in the musical turn out to be real; others are complete fabrication. Maria's own story is engaging and it tugs at the heartstrings in different ways than the musical.
  At first, I was skeptical about whether I could rely on the accuracy in this book any more than The Sound of Music. After all, fictionalizing a story means that imagination is at work. By the end of the story, though, I came to appreciate the author's carefulness. Her research seems impeccable, and there were a number of primary sources for her to draw from, even for events that I wondered about.
  
  Lovely read if you like musicals, mountain settings, 20th century history, and strong but sometimes challenging female protagonists.
  
  Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell and Netgalley for this digital review copy!
• 
  Stephanie Fitzgerald

  I have adored “The Sound of Music” movie since I was a little girl. I’ve seen it many times, listened to the soundtrack record on my parents’ Hi-Fi; basically I have it memorized. When I read Maria’s autobiography as a kid, it was a disappointment, because it wasn’t the same story as the movie (No Gretel, no Liesel, etc.) I don’t think I even ever finished it…
  Fast-forward to present-day:
  The gorgeous cover of the Netgalley ARC caught my eye first. Then the description intrigued me; I wanted to know why the real-life Maria was not a fan of the script of the play. Incensed, was the word used. Once I started reading, I found myself thinking, “Oh, that’s why that was in the movie!”, quite often. Enough to where, by the end, the differences between the real story and the screenplay didn’t bother me anymore. My “favorite things” were still there; a captain with seven children, all of whom are still grieving the loss of their mother, are driving away governess after governess. Maria manages to bring some light back into the household, by loosening many of the tight reins of perfect behavior exacted on the kids. Yep, she really did teach them how to play and be children, in clothes made of drapes! The family did have good reason to flee Hitler’s Austria, and did escape narrowly.
  So, by the end , I was very satisfied with this book! I will definitely by a print copy at the end of July, and enjoy it again. ( And, I’m sure a “Sound of Music” movie night will be in the near future!)
  **I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.**
• 
  Monica Hills

  If you have ever seen the Sound of Music you HAVE to read this book! As a young girl I watched the Sound of Music many times, so when I saw this book was coming out and it was by one of my favorite historical fiction writers I had to read it. It was everything I hoped for and more. I learned so much about the von Trapp family and about Maria's life. I cried when I read about the difficult upbringing Maria faced and her desire to have a stable home. Their life in Austria and the struggles Maria faced in becoming a step mother to so many children was nothing I had really thought about when watching the musical. I had no idea just how much the war had impacted their family or how difficult their real life may have been. The story was fascinating and I devoured it all.
  
  The book also features Fran who is tasked with hearing about Maria's story so Maria doesn't create waves when the musical premieres. I enjoyed reading about her story and her interactions with Hammerstein. The book includes an Author's Note which I always love in historical fiction so that the reader knows what is real and not. It also let the reader know what happened to all of the children which I appreciated. This book is a MUST READ! I loved it and I really think anyone who has ever watched the Sound of Music will find it just as fascinating as I did.
  
  Thank you to Dell/Random House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
• 
  Melissa’s Bookshelf

  The Sound of Music is one of my all time favorite musicals! I’ve always wanted to know more about Maria von Trapp’s story because I’d heard that the musical wasn’t exactly true to life, so when I saw Maria on NetGalley, I had to read it. It was fabulous! I loved the way the author shed a whole new light on Maria and made her a more human, complicated person who was easy to sympathize with, flaws and all.
  
  I loved the dual time line premise. It’s set in the 1950’s when Oscar Hammerstein was writing the lyrics for the musical. Much to his chagrin, Maria von Trapp’s upset with the way her husband is portrayed and how the story deviates from her life. She demands a meeting with the illustrious lyricist, but Mr. Hammerstein sends his secretary Fran instead to talk with her, smooth ruffled feathers, and find out what her objections are as they furiously prepare for the musical’s debut.
  
  Over the course of several meetings, Fran learns Maria’s true story from the beginning. This is where the story begins to be told from the past as Maria recounts her troubled childhood including the loss of both parents at a young age, and an abusive uncle. It brought new meaning to the lyrics “perhaps I had a wicked childhood, perhaps I had a miserable youth.” Just like in the musical Maria becomes a bit of a handful to the nuns, but just when she finally feels like she’s found a home, she’s asked to be a tutor for Captain von Trapp’s children. I was absolutely fascinated as Maria’s story unfolds and found new, and interesting aspects that were so completely different from the musical. For instance, Maria wasn’t in love with the Captain at first. She loved the children, & married him for their sakes. Her love for him came later. And, he was supposed to marry a Princess!
  
  Perhaps one of the most chilling aspects was why they left Austria. They didn’t trek over a mountain like the musical suggests, but their escape was just as dramatic. I also loved learning how they became popular in America. One of the other things I found fascinating was that the Captain was the kind one and Maria was much more strict and demanding. Thus, the reason she was upset by how the Captain was portrayed. Her demands that the children perform night after night definitely took its toll and I was surprised at the reactions of some of her children who numbered ten by the time they came to America.
  
  Along with Maria’s story is the fictional character Fran’s struggle to become a writer in the 1950’s amidst jealousies. I also loved Oscar Hammerstein’s cameos in the book and the poignant ending that nearly had me in tears. His final song has even more of a special place in my heart that I’ll treasure because of this book.
  
  While this is a fictional portrayal, the author mentions in her afterword how she researched and painstakingly tried to accurately portray Maria’s life. It definitely gave me a new appreciation for the difficulties she went through and a desire to know even more. I’m looking forward to watching the musical again with a more nuanced view.
  
  Highly recommend to historical fiction and Sound of Music fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
• 
  Rachel

  Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran is a great historical fiction that delves into the real story of the family within the famous movie The Sound of Music.
  
  I have always loved this movie, and for those that are huge fans, this book is for you.
  
  I really liked how the author was able to present the truth and what really happened vs fiction and legend that has been created concerning this family and the infamous movie and characters that were created. I have been shying away from any historical fiction that has more than one timeline due to burnout, however this method definitely works and I am glad I looked over my initial hesitation.
  
  The pacing, the presentation, and the things I learned while reading this gem made for a wonderful time.
  
  Highly recommend.
  
  5/5 stars
  
  Thank you NG and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
  
  I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/30/24.
• 
  CAROLYN Wyman

  Maria by Michelle Moran is a story based on the life of Maria Von Trapp and her family.
  
  Having grown up watching this movie, counting the days until it would air, we made sure that the entire family was available. Creating this special family time which included re-enacting the donkey scene, was simply the best most heartwarming and lasting memories of my childhood. We would make popcorn and gather on blankets in the living room to watch it together as a family. Even my father that worked way too much would take the time to enjoy this great show. While I always believed that certain parts of the story was changed to make it a better movie or show, I liked seeing the actual incidents that structured and shaped their lives.
  
  It was interesting seeing how Maria’s childhood affected her so profoundly.
  While Hammerstein is making a broadway musical about the Von Trapp Family singers, Maria von Trapppe wants the story to be more realistic and to show her husband George as the caring hardworking man he was.
  
  The book begins way before they came to the Unites States and toured singing at concerts. While many situations are similar, there are greater differences. The play was leaving out people that were very close to them in real life and creating characters instead. Throughout the book, I was looking for our favorite characters such as Max. Missing the way he made you laugh.
  “WELL, FRAN, I SUPPOSE you are waiting for the illustrious Max Detweiler to make his appearance, and for us to plan a daring escape from the Nazis just as we are about to give our performance. But these are your scriptwriters’ fanciful creations.” But unfortunately we discover that they were made up. Although the Baroness was Really A Princess.
  
  As the movie and play progressed, it becomes clear that although the movie is based on events, it’s very loosely. Some scenes were spot on, like Maria giving it to the captain over the amount of time he stays away and how much the children need him. Another is the curtain scene where she creates play clothing for them. In my head I can hear Raindrops on Roses playing.
  “Fran can feel herself grasping. “Well, songs add new dimensions to the characters. And I wouldn’t think of this as anyone’s life story. I would think of it as being based on your life story. Loosely.”
  
  I definitely enjoyed learning about Maria and her family. It definitely shed more of a light on her youth and the reason she wanted so strongly to be a nun. I liked the way in which the abbess talks her into returning and marring the Captain. Just like in the movie, she learns that she can fulfill gods will by many ways.
  
  While reading, I found myself singing the songs that fit the different aspects. Reading that the curtains were really used to make children’s close from them made me laugh. I went down the hall singing when the dog bites. Maria wa feisty and determined. I enjoyed learning that she really did respond to him aggressively about leaving the children so much. Walking down the hall my husband kept giving me odd looks for singing “How do you solve a problem like Maria.”
  And although their escape wasn’t the exact escape showcased-in the story, it was still fraught with danger.
  
  “Sir, the city is preparing for a visit from the Führer. We expect every house in Salzburg to be displaying the swastika. Yet it’s come to our attention that you don’t even own a flag.” “This is true,” Georg says. “How is this possible when we have already been here for two weeks?” “Oh.” Georg shoves his hands deep into his pockets. “I’m afraid it’s just too expensive,” he says. “We barely get by with what we have without buying flags.” The young man marches to the car and return with two red banners. In the middle is the ancient symbol sacred to Hindus, now turned slightly and made into the emblem of the Nazi Party. “If you’d like, we can help you hang them from the windows.”
  
  This had to be terrifying for them, yet they kept their composure and used their talents to tour the world, which worked as a great way to escape.
  They escape may not be the heartwarming tale woven by Hammerstein, but it was an amazing tale that has blazed its way into our minds. With the great music, love, strength and danger, The sound of Music is a name most people remember.
  
  If you are a fan of The Sound of Music or love learning about topics, than this is a great book to read. You will definitely play the movie in your head as you read.
• 
  Ashley

  I literally squealed and did a happy dance when I opened my email to find out that I was given an advanced reader copy of Maria from Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group!
  
  The Sound of Music gives me all the childhood memories: watching with my grandparents, singing songs with my sisters, and pretending to be Maria. But what I didn’t know was the true story of Maria Von Trapp and this book gave me all the details I was missing.
  
  Spanning from Maria’s early childhood (one which was truly so sad), her desire to become a nun, meeting Georg and the children, all the way to years later demanding to speak to Hammerstein about how he got her story wrong, author Michelle Moran gives us an insight into Maria and the Von Trapps that the musical didn’t tell us about. (And the fact that it was changed doesn’t bother me- I still love it and it will remain one of my favorite things… see what I did there????)
  
  But I’m not giving any spoilers away, but once it releases in July, this book will be worth the time to read, especially if you are a Sound of Music fan!
  
  *This was an ARC review and all thoughts are my own. Thank you Net Galley and Random House Group Publishing.
• 
  Dianne

  It is rare that I find a book that I enjoy so much that I drag out the reading over days. This is one of those few books. I was ensnared right from the very first chapter.
  
  This book is a wonderful mixture of fact (please read the author's notes) and fiction.
  
  While I don't seem to have the same love for the film The Sound of Music as most others do, I knew enough about it that it was very easy to follow the events in this novel. As a matter of fact, you never have had to watch the movie to become fully engrossed in the events of Maria's life.
  
  This book was filled with heartache and happiness. I admit that finding out that Maria was nearly tyrannical about having the children sing was a shock to my system! The film portrays her a bit differently. Learning about their escape from the Nazis was a heart-pounding eye-opener.
  
  What a fantastic read for anyone who likes historical fiction, The Sound of Music, or just a wonderful book.
  
  I HIGHLY recommend this novel!
  
  *The publisher Delacorte/Dell -Random House, the author, and NetGalley supplied the ARC. I'd like to thank all three for this opportunity.
• 
  Mary Prather

  Ahhh - what a joy to be given an ARC of this book by @authormichellemoran ! (Thank you @penguinrandomhouse !)
  
  I always knew that The Sound of Music wasn’t an accurate picture of Maria Von Trapp’s life. This book gives us a much more realistic picture of that time - with a bit of an implied explanation as to why Rodgers and Hammerstein changed the story so much for the Broadway play.
  
  We follow a fictitious employee of Hammerstein’s (Fran), who is trying to handle Maria’s complaints as the show is going to production. Through Fran’s discussions with Maria we come to learn the full story.
  
  I don’t want to spoil it for you, but the book takes us through some of the moments we know from the musical and sets the record straight. In the process, we also learn a lot about the Von Trapp family. I found it interesting that their family motto was “Nec aspera terrent “ - Frightened by No Difficulties.
  
  I think you’ll love this book and be sad when it is finished - and then maybe want to watch The Sound of Music again!
• 
  Val (pagespoursandpups)

  Really enjoyed this one! Different from what I expected - but informational and gave additional info about the family’s life in later years.
• 
  Cindy

  If you have to be home and sick on your birthday, this is the book to read. It was so much fun. It is a historical novel of the life of Maria von Trapp from the Sound of Music. If you love the sound of music, you’ll absolutely love this book and even if you are not obsessed with the musical I can’t imagine not enjoying this book. I will add that the entire time I was reading it I was picturing and hearing Julie Andrews in my head! The author has also included extensive notes at the end of the book, explaining what was true and what happen to each member of the family after the war.
  
  Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review
• 
  Melissa

  I'm so excited for this to come out! I've loved all of Michelle Moran's books, and I know she will do a fantastic job with Maria and the Von Trapp family.
• 
  Sierra

  fun fact about me is that I’m obsessed with The Sound Of Music and my heart rate spiked when I saw this book
• 
  Renee

  LOVE! One of my favorite books of the year. Though Maria's story includes pain & regret, it is ultimately uplifting & hopeful. If you're looking for a must-read that is good for your heart, get a copy of Michelle Moran's Maria.
  
  I listened to the audiobook & enjoyed the fab narrators. But I also won a signed copy from the author, which I look forward to sharing with reader friends & students. Many thanks, Michelle Moran!
• 
  Dawn Wagner

  I was so excited to receive an arc of this book from netgalley and the publisher.
  
  Wow, I loved every minute of this read and had a hard time putting it down. I read it in 2 days in every spare minute I had. Most of us realize that movies based on real lives are loosely based. Maria and her children were at first not a fan of how their lives and story were portrayed.
  
  The author of this book did such a wonderful job sharing different points of view, how it was to work with Hammerstein, and how it was to meet the real Maria. I was surprised to learn that Georg was really not how it was depicted in the movie, but I think that portrayal endears people to him as he changes in the movie.
  
  I loved this book, and I love the movie. Thankful we live in a world of music!
  
  Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
• 
  Sharyn

  Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the EARC of this book. I was quite surprised with this story which came from research by the author. Imagine you are Maria Von Trapp and you know that Oscar Hammerstein is writing a musical based on an inaccurate German movie.
  Hammerstein'ssecretary, a budding novelist, meets Maria and Maria explains her life and her problems with the play. It is an excellent device, as we have a fictional character who is a good character in her own right, typing the story of Maria for Hammerstein.
  The true story emerges as Hammerstein is very ill and he writes his very last song, Edelweiss , after reading her story. This is an excellent book as we see the true story against the background of the play rehearsals and learn that Mary Martin and her husband were the forces that brought Hammerstein and Rodgers to write the play and music.
  I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a Sound of music fan.
  Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book.
• 
  Debbie

  I’ve watched The Sound Of Music many times as this was my son’s favorite movie so I was very excited to see a book depicting the life of Maria. This is my first experience reading a novel by this author and I must say that she drew me right in. Her expert storytelling made the story move along as she works with a few different timelines. The reader learns about her past and the reasons for her decisions. Michelle Moran has meticulously researched Maria from many sources which enabled her to include many interesting anecdotes to her story. The author delves into Maria’s personality as well as all the members of the family. If you are a fan of the movie this is a definite book that needs to be on your to read pile. Even if you are not it’s a great story by an extremely talented author. Well done and I will be enthusiastically recommending this to all.
  Thank you to Dell Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced eGalley.
  #Maria #MichelleMoran #NetGalley
• 
  Justyna

  As a lover of The Sound of Music, this was a wonderful and surprising read. Although I knew the Von Trapp family was real upon seeing The Sound of Music as a child, I had no way of knowing how different their life story was to the movie. Learning about the family and Maria was enlightening and helped me understand why the play and film were so different. Seeing the flaws in Maria, I can see why it was better to make her a loveable character.
  The writing of the book was done well, my only qualm would be the dates at the beginning of most chapters. The timelines didn't fully match, specifically making Maria & Georg's wedding be on 1927, but their first night together being 1934? Either this is a publishing mistake or I missed the 7 year gap being mentioned somewhere.
  *my honest review was given for an advanced reader copy of this book, thank you for sharing this story with me!
• 
  Amanda Alviz

  The Sound of Music is my all time favorite movie, so when I saw this book about the life of Maria von Trapp I jumped at the chance to read! It highlighted some truths from the movie, but also pointed out things that weren't depicted accurately.
  
  It describes Maria as the less "fun" parent and how she may not have been as fun loving as the movie portrays. At the same time, this is coming from her point of view and we are our own worst critics. I would imagine the truth is somewhere in the middle.
  
  I enjoyed reading the story to find out what happened after the family left Austria. I also enjoyed the update at the end about each child. Fun fact that I never knew is that the real Maria von Trapp shows up in the background as a cameo in the movie.
  
  I was worried that reading this book may spoil The Sound of Music being my favorite movie, but I think it actually made me fall in love with it more. Now I can relate to the family members more closely and hear about their joys and struggles.
  
  This book is an absolute must for any fans of The Sound of Music!
  
  Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.