Michelle Moran's book about Maria von Trapp challenges you to abandon what you know about the film and the musical and go beyond the conventional story that you know. She does a wonderful job of weaving together fiction and reality. As someone who grew up watching the movie, became perplexed by the Rogers and Hammerstein musical soundtrack and its differences to the film, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It challenged me to think more critically about how other's stories are told. You learn more about (the actual) Maria's upbringing with facts that are glossed over in the mainstream tellings of her life. You learn more about the atmosphere of the home, her relationships with the children and the other staff, and a bit more about their life after leaving Austria. Moran does a great job of keeping the story moving and bringing out the humanity of all the characters that we've all come to know and love.

One of the best things about this book for me is how it pushed me to consider how popular narratives shape what we understand about historical events and figures. We must not accept their stories at face value and be willing to dive into multiple sources to ensure that what we're consuming includes the totality of their experience. This isn't meant to disparage the original Sound of Music musical or the beloved movie, but the totality of Maria's experience is so much more complex and Moran's story does a great job of capturing the complexity of the human emotion through the many choices she had to make in her life. I particularly appreciated the follow up stories of the Trapp Family Singers, which provided a deeper look at the reality of their experiences and what happened afterwards.

Advice for the reader: set aside your conventional knowledge about Maria and the von Trapp family going into this book. It makes it a little easier to digest and appreciate, though admittedly, it is difficult to do after appreciating their stories for so many years. Kudos to Moran for tackling such a beloved figure in such a thoughtful way.

If you have ever seen the Sound of Music you HAVE to read this book! Growing up I watched the Sound of Music many times, so when I saw this book was coming out, I knew I had to read it.

This book was so beautifully written and I really enjoyed the story.

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 really helped to tie the pretty bow on this story.

Thank you to Dell/Random House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

“Maria” is the historical fiction account of the life of Maria von Trapp of “Sound of Music” fame as related by Maria to Oscar Hammerstein’s fictitious assistant, Fran, as Maria complains about the disparities between her real life and the way her life was depicted in the script prepared for the upcoming Broadway musical set to debut in early 1960 (on which the movie was based). Maria’s story begins with her childhood as an orphan in Austria being raised by her father’s family, through her time as a novice in the nunnery, then as a nanny to Baron von Trapp’s family and ultimately his wife. Maria’s narrative is interspersed with the life of Fran, Hammerstein’s assistant, a budding writer in the production office whose job it is to soothe Maria’s anger over the script while also navigating the world as a single woman whose boy friend is jealous of her success as a published author.

With her vibrant prose, the author brings to life the beauty of the Austrian countryside and the distinctive personalities of Maria, Baron von Trapp and their many children. The reader will be drawn in by the challenges faced by the various members of the family as they adjust to life with each other, becoming a famous singing sensation, and avoiding the perils of the Nazi regime after the occupation of Austria. I highly recommend this book to historical fiction fans who enjoy a well-written novel that brings to life a little known aspect of history.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.

The is a novel about the life of Maria Von Trapp. This book touches on how her life story was changed for the Broadway version of the Sound of Music. The story re-caps Maria’s life from young childhood to life after Georg. Oscar Hammerstein is the man assigned to write the lyrics to the Brodway musical. Maria reads the script and wants to immediately confront Hammerstein about making some changes to the script, Maria does not like the way Georg is being portrayed amongst other concerns. Maria starts meeting with Fran, Hammerstein’s secretary, to tell her version of her life story. A deep friendship evolves through these meetings. I throughly enjoyed this book. I was often felt like scenes from
the movie were replaying in my head. I was intrigued by Maria’s perspective. Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. I highly recommend this one. I give it 4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Reading this book brought back many pleasant memories for me, being 10 years old and seeing the movie with my mother and grandmother, mesmerized by the beautiful movie and music., many years later introducing my daughter to the movie and she became a fan also. My family stayed at the Von Trapp Family lodge for a weekend in 1997, and Rosemarie actually led a sing along that we attended, my daughter was 10 at the time and can still remember it. I realized that liberties are often taken with movies and plays, this was no exception with this story, the background of the musical coming to life, with the story of the real Maria and her thoughts about the production made for an interesting, enjoyable read. I enjoyed this book immensely and I liked the author’s style of writing.

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.

Loving the movie The Sound of Music, I was so happy to receive the novel, Maria, by Michelle Moran. Even though their have been many novels regarding the Trapp family, I wanted to read this version of Maria's life. This book goes through Maria's life and how she was angry with the version of the broadway play portrayed their lifes. Read this book to find out the misrepresentation in the play which was based on the Gerrman version. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read Maria prior to its publication.

The Sound of Music is a wonderful movie inspired by a true story, But movies like that often part company with some of the actual facts and this one is no exception. This novel explores how the lead character may have reacted to this. Sweet subplots make this a good light read.

This was a fascinating story about Maria von Trapp. It is a biographical novel. I enjoyed it very much.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is an excellent book! It has all the cozy feels! Almost everyone likes The Sound of Music, and this story peers into the interesting early life of Maria. The descriptions are dazzling!

The cast of characters is brilliant! My favorite is Fran! She's a go-getter! She's also compassionate, caring, and a great listener! Maria is a survivor. She goes through so much pain and heartache. Her and Georg's love story is unique and adorable!

I really enjoyed reading this book! I look forward to reading more books by this author!

I was provided a copy of the book from Random House via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m gonna start off by saying I’m a HUGE Sound of Music fan so I knew I had to read this book. For the most part I enjoyed this book! I liked the multiple perspectives and a more ‘real’ story behind the Sound of Music. I was surprised to learn it was historical fiction- I thought it was going to be more non-fiction retelling of the story (but that’s kinda on me). I did dislike the authors writing style during certain parts of the story but overall I still enjoyed!
(thank you to the publisher for the e-arc!)

Thanks to NetGalley and Dell for this advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review,
For fans of The Sound of Music, maybe you took the musical as gospel of the life of the Von Trapp family, or maybe like me, you have read every biography you could find on Maria Von Trapp and knew largely that the musical was a terrific story based in little truth. No matter, this is a gem of a book that brings the person back into the story. I followed along intently and even learned a few things. Maria was not a Julie Andrew’s or Mary Martin, but what a story she had. Now I’m torn. Would the musical have been a success of the story was closer to true? Probably not, it was the magic of Hammerstein and the cast that lifted people up in an era that likely wasn’t ready for stories about WWII.
Regardless, as a book I loved it. I would recommend this to all who love the movie or musical, or who like historical fiction of real people.
Book club material for sure, and I would happily read it again for the purpose.
4.5 rounded up for prepub.
Thank you!

I love Sound of Music so I was very intrigued to learn the real history. Unfortunately, the first part of the book just didn't hook me so I didn't care to read on.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and "The Sound of Music" is easily my favorite movie of all time, so I was thrilled to be offered an ARC edition of Maria, courtesy of Netgalley.

This novel was everything I hoped it would be. It gave the real story of Maria von Trapp and revealed how after she sold the rights to her biography, she was unhappy with the changes made in the film versions. I had no idea that there were two German movies made about the von Trapp Family singers nor that Maria was more of the disciplinarian and the Captain was the softie and that Maria was really the ambitious one of the family

I also liked how the story wove in Oscar Hammerstein and how his brilliant lyrics elevated the story of the von Trapps in "The Sound of Music".

Highly recommend!

When I was chosen to read an advanced copy of this book, the squeak that came out of my mouth was so loud!!
The story of Maria Von trap is written gorgeous! I absolutely enjoyed every page of this book! It’s going to stay with me for a long time! Michelle nailed this book!
It’s a ‘must read’ from me!

I was so excited to get an ARC of Maria. I loved this book! Growing up, I watched The Sound Of Music every year when it came on TV with my mom. How fascinating to find out about how much was changed for the sake of the Broadway show and more about who Maria was besides the image in the movie. It was also interesting to learn about Hammerstein, who I really don’t know much about. I finished this book in four days and it usually takes me about two weeks to read a similar size novel.

This is a wonderful read, I have always loved the Sound of Music but this gives us a whole new understanding of the real story. The writing is excellent, research was in-depth, but most importantly she brings them all to life with dignity and integrity. This book has it all, love, loss, heartbreak and sacrifice.

Years ago I read another true story on the making of the Wizard of Oz, it too was an excellent read. I thank you Ms. Moran on a wonderful book and letting us all know the true side of this classic. I highly recommend and 5 stars is not enough.

I thank Random House Publishing Group along with NetGalley for providing this Galley edition for no requirement other than my offer to provide an unbiased review.

The Sound of Music has always been one of my favorite movies and I couldn’t wait to dive into this novel. It did not disappoint. Told in a dual timeline, Maria relates her story to Fran Connelly, secretary to Oscar Hammerstein in hopes of “fixing” the inaccuracies in the script of the upcoming stage play. We learn what is fact and what is fiction in the musical. Yes, Maria really did make play clothes for the children from the draperies hanging in her bedroom. No, the family did not escape the Nazis by walking over the mountains to Switzerland. Maria’s story at times tugs at the heartstrings, at others makes me smile, and still others makes me groan at the poor decisions she makes. She is in reality a much more nuanced character than that portrayed in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. It is obvious the author has been meticulous in her research and I feel like I’ve gotten to know the real Maria Von Trapp a little more. A must read for historical fiction fans and lovers of musicals alike. Thanks to Random House and Netgalley for giving me an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

I would probably give this book 4.5 stars if it were possible. This book was such an eye opening experience for me as I did not know much about the /real/ Maria von Trapp and only knew the movie/musical version of her. Seeing that she was a fully complex woman who was flawed and maybe the less sympathetic out of the Captain and Maria was not something I was expecting. This story does a wonderful job of showing how Hammerstein was such a mastermind.

It was a wonderful book! You will learn so much about the Sound of Music and come to love the real Maria. Michelle Moran has written another stunning book and transported me to another time.