Maria by Michelle Moran is the fictionalized version of the mounting of the Sound of Music on Broadway, featuring Mary Martin. It mainly consists of conversations between Fran and Maria von Trapp, who was less than thrilled with the script. She didn’t view it as accurate and thought the story didn’t really start until the von Trapps arrived in America. It also gave us a glimpse into the life of Fran, an assistant to Oscar Hammerstein and other peripheral characters. I liked it. I love the Sound of Music and much of Maria’s story mirrored that which I am used to. The play did diverge, but only to make it more dramatic, as is the play writer’s wont. It was a compelling story, not the least of which was its view into “based on.”

Moran did a fabulous job, opening this background to readers in a meaningful way. Her use of facts to round out the fiction mirrors what I have read in other places. The fictional characters add body and warmth to an already amazing story. Maria might have been right that the story began later. We tend to romanticize escapes from bad situations but too often the situation gets worse and no one ever knows that. Opened my eyes to “based on” as well as the personality of Maria who was not at all as portrayed in the movie and the play, although the rest seemed spot on. Always gotta change things. That’s what we love about “Hollywood.: Edelweiss was good, though. Thanks for opening some doors, Michelle Moran!

I was invited to read Maria by Random House Publishing Group Ballantine. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #MichelleMoran #Maria

MARIA by Michelle Moran is a fascinating, unexpectedly gripping story of the real Maria Von Trapp. Far from the fresh-faced, wild-eyed optimism of the movie I grew up adoring, this Maria is immediately engaging and heartbreaking. Truth is truly stranger than fiction -- and I deeply enjoyed learning the true dangers, heartache, and struggles of this powerful heroine, sharing her story with the one person who could listen and hold it close, the woman assisting Hammerstein in his work while he was too busy to deal with the reality of an infuriated Maria demanding that her true story be told. Immersive writing, wonderful plotting, this book is a wonderful and refreshing read. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Thank you to NetGalley, PRH Audio and Ballantine Books,
for providing me with this book and audiobook for free in exchange for my review. @prhaudio #PRHAudio #PRHAudioInfluencer
All opinions are my own.

This was a delightful book. I grew up obsessed with The Sound of Music movie, and I live in New England so it was a pleasure to be able to read and listen to this audiobook. This book tells the true story of Maria Von Trapp's life and the making of the musical that the movie was based on. The chapters are split between Maria and Fran a fictional employee of Rogers and Hammerstein in 1959. It also flashes back to Maria's early life in Austria (her tragic childhood and her journey to the convent). It also quashes many misconceptions about the Von Trapp's life.

The book was narrated by Eileen Stevens and Natasha Soudek. They did a wonderful job bringing these lovely characters to life.

Pick this up if you are looking for a delightful historical fiction novel or if you are huge fan of The Sound of Music!


Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

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If you like the movie, “The Sound of Music”, then this book is for you! It’s the behind the scenes action about how Oscar Hammerstein created the music. It also has a fictionalized account of the real Maria von Trapp. It was interesting to read about her early life and about what she was really like.
Many thanks to the author, Random House Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I enjoyed reading Maria by Michelle Moran. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for an advanced reader copy of Maria. My opinions are my own, When I saw that there was an advanced reader copy available, I knew I had to request it and read it! The Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies and I love reading about The Von Trapp Family. . This historical fiction is told in two voices; the voice of Fran, the secretary to Oscar Hammerstein, and Maria Von Trapp. The book begins with Hammerstein finalizing the lyrics for The Sound of Music musical and Maria has arrived at Hammerstein’s office to tell him he has the wrong story details. The second voice, that of Maria introduces us to her story; her upbringing, her difficult childhood, becoming a novitiate and then being sent to Captain Von Trapp’s home to be a teacher to his ill child. The story continues through Maria’s marriage to Captain Von Trapp and how they became a singing family. As Fran’s voice is interjected into the story we learn about the true story of the Von Trapp Family, not the movie version that we are all familiar with. I absolutely loved this book! I loved reading about Maria and her family and the author’s note at the end was fascinating! Don’t miss this read! Five stars for me!

"Well, it seems to me you have a choice to make. A new family with children who need a mother or your family here. In both cases, my dear, you will still be serving God. He doesn't disappear outside the walls of this convent."

Wow! I'll be honest, I have always loved The Sound of Music. I still do, even though I now know how inaccurate it was from Maria's real story. But, I'm trying to keep the movie separate from their real story. I had no idea that Maria literally hated The Sound of Musical script when she read it the first time. There had been a German movie before the musical that really portrayed everything in a way that the family didn't appreciate and the musical was based on that. Maria really didn't like how the musical portrayed her husband as being such a strict disciplinarian that didn't have a real relationship with the kids, when he was actually an amazing father. There was so much that I learned about the Von Trapp family and I really loved every page of this book! Michelle Moran did such an amazing job clearing up some fallacies and kept the story incredibly interesting. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more by Moran.

Maria will be enjoyed by those who like the Sound of Music. While this novel was considered fiction, it is based on Maria Von Trapp’s life. This novel was so interesting to discover which parts of the movie matched her life. I really liked this novel and the writing style of the author and how she allowed the fictional Maria to tell the autobiography of the real Maria.
I received a copy of Maria from NetGalley with no obligations. All opinions expressed are my own.

Saying that no one would turn him down for such a film, my brother took seven girls on separate dates to The Sound of Music when released in the 1960s, About two decades later, my two daughters could recite every line in the film before it was spoken or sung. Having never tired of rewatching the film, I was thrilled to receive an early copy of this Michelle Moran's new novel, Maria.

The book opens with a bang. Readers are hit with aging Maria von Trapp’s letter to Oscar Hammerstein, insisting on a meeting so she can set him straight about her life story before the Broadway musical misrepresents both people and events. Telling him that her oldest step-son Rupert was never a sixteen-year-old girl named Liesl and that the family never crossed the Alps to escape the Nazis, Maria makes clear that these are only two of the problems with the musical's story of her life..

When Hammerstein assigns one of his employees to meet with the disgruntled Maria, what follows includes a series of meetings in which Maria tells the story of her childhood, reveals her reason for wanting to become a nun and what she was doing with her time as a novitiate before being assigned assist with the von Trapp children. The story includes children, neighbors, and other characters never known by Broadway or film audiences. Not only that, but the musical’s story ends far too early, omitting much of Maria’s and the von Trapp’s lives after leaving Austria—a life that was not always happy. The ending stage and screen audiences know comes at roughly the midpoint of Moran’s historical novel.

How Maria’s grievances played out and how she and some of the von Trapp children reacted to the Broadway show help make this a page-turning, entertaining read for anyone who familiar with the show. If not familiar, I suggest finding a copy of the film before reading the book. You will be glad you did.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House for an advance reader egalley of this highly recommended new novel by Michelle Moran.

I grew up watching the Sound of Music and have loved it for as long as I can remember. I will admit that I was a little concerned this book would change that, that seeing how different real life versus the production was would make me feel differently. I am so very happy to say that it didn’t. I think anyone who loves the Sound of Music will enjoy and appreciate this book.

Michelle Moran’s research is quite evident and the story she crafts is excellent. I was shocked at what really happened to the von Trapp family, how close they came to things being totally different, Trying not to give too much away! I also developed a new appreciation for my favorite musical and the decisions that were made in changing the story.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction and fans of the Sound of Music.

Thank you to Random House for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

Maria is a story about not just Maria von Trapp but also about The Sound of Music movie. By Michelle Moran, this is an entertaining and enlightening book. While the Broadway show and movie are based on historical fact, they have taken a great deal of liberty in the making with which Maria von Trapp was not please. Still she had originally planned a quiet life as a nun. She did take care of the von Trapp children before love and a marriage proposal followed. Most importantly they did have to flee their homeland from the Nazi Regime.

Maria von Trapp says it best describing the likenesses and differences from actual life and shows. “Well, it's not exactly our life story," Maria says. “But our love for God and family was there, and this is what has always been most important." A book not to be missed from anyone who has ever seen The Sound of Music along with those who dearly love it.

This is The sound through the eye of Maria. Maria Von Trapp,a well known character better known from The Sound of Music. The novel was a joy to read and I would add the novel to my TBR.
I remember watching “The Sound of Music” on a yearly basis. The voice of Juie Andrews' voice is why I loved this film. I recognized the character of Maria through the music she sang and the movie was a joy. Oscar Hammerstien wrote the film's lyrics. Along with a known film, there was the horror of Hitler. The cover reminded me why I enjoyed the film.
Thank you Maria: A Novel A Novel of Maria, Michelle Moraran, for the privilege of reading this book

"Maria," a novel by Michelle Moran, delves into the differences between the portrayal of Maria von Trapp's life in "The Sound of Music," and the real events that were either glossed over or altered by the creative team behind the Broadway show that premiered in 1959. Shortly before the opening, an angry Maria von Trapp demands that Oscar Hammerstein correct inaccuracies in the script. Instead, Hammerstein arranges for Maria to meet with his assistant, Fran, who takes notes while she listens to von Trapp's account of her experiences in Austria and America. There is also a subplot about Fran's love life that adds little to the proceedings.

Moran's intriguing premise and fluid prose style draw us into the narrative. Most of us picture Maria as habitually sunny, exuberant, and lovable. We have also been led to believe that Captain von Trapp, the widowed father of seven boys and girls, was a harsh disciplinarian. In flashback, Maria corrects the record. She tells Fran about her unhappy upbringing (she was an orphan whose male guardian verbally abused and beat her); the two years she spent as a postulate and teacher in Nonnberg abbey; and how her relationship with the Georg von Trapp and his children changed her life.

Maria was talented, energetic, and determined, but she was not a paragon of virtue. For example, she was a controlling parent who pushed one of her daughters to perform, even though the emotionally fragile girl made it clear that she hated going on stage with the Von Trapp Family Singers. This fascinating book emphasizes the disconnect between art and reality. It is not uncommon for playwrights and screenwriters to take liberties in order to make their plays and movies more marketable.

I grew up loving The Sound of Music so I was pretty excited to get my hands on this book. I knew a lot of the Von Trapp family's story had been changed for the movie but I found myself googling things while reading this to see what exactly was true or not. It was interesting, to say the least.

The (fictional) account of the (real) Maria von Trapp, Maria is breathtakingly written, full of heart and heartbreak alike.

Thank you Netgalley, Random House and Michelle Moran for the arc!

This is me giving ALLLLL the stars!!! Guys … this book!!! Boldly shouting from the hills that it’s in my top reads of 2024! The Sound of Music is one of my all time favorite movies, so when I saw this book pop up I couldn’t grab it fast enough! And I was absolutely captivated by it from page one!

It’s a historical fiction based on the life story of Maria … giving you not only an entertaining read but also an honest & real view of the Von Trapp family! Beautifully & respectfully done … I couldn’t put it down! I learned so much background from Maria’s childhood & the fears that made her, the real Baron and what he was really like, actual timeline & events and so much more … especially the lives of the children! You even get a sneak peek behind the scenes of the making of the Broadway play with Rodgers & Hammerstein! The whole story is just perfection and I am gushing, but I really did love it that much!

Do not miss Michelle’s notes at the end of the book to find out more about the fiction / nonfiction elements to the book … fascinating! I found myself “googling” so much to see pictures & performances and even the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont, which hello!!! … is now on my bucket list of places to vacay!

I really enjoyed this book-It is an easy read and very interesting - I think you will enjoy this book whether you are a fan of the movie or not. If you know someone who is a fan of the Sound of Music - this would be a terrific gift!

Maria,” by Michelle Moran, is a historical fiction book about Maria von Trapp and the making of the play “The Sound of Music.” Before the play opened Maria was concerned about certain aspects of the play that were not to her liking. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein were putting final touches on the play and Maria was upset about certain aspects of the way the story was represented. Mr. Hammerstein's assistant Fran was tasked with getting Maria's approval. During her conversations with Maria we get know more about her life as a child and her life with the Von Trapp family and learn about her life with the Captain and the children. What I also found interesting was the background story concerning Oscar Hammerstein. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work.

I have always been a fan of the movie so it was really interesting learning more about the real Maria and the von Trapp family. I had no idea she had such a hard and tragic upbringing. One thing that really surprised me was the way she was portrayed in the movie differs quite a bit from how she was in real life...she was the stern one while the Captain was more gentle and kind.

I enjoyed the story changing back and forth between the late 1950s and the past. I loved how the author used a fictional character to tell the true story of Maria. One of my favorite parts was learning how the Captain proposed to Maria and how much the children were involved with it. A must read historical fiction for all fans of The Sound of Music!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Maria A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran

I enjoyed this story. Maria von Trapp, of The Sound of Music fame, is ready to tell Oscar Hammerstein that she is not happy with his musical. The tale he is spinning is not accurate. She does this through conversations with Fran, his assistant. It is now 1959.

The reader gets an interesting view of the von Trapp family in Austria, 1926, and how postulate Maria came to their family. Widower Georg von Trapp needs a governess for his seven children, and a special tutor for his ill daughter Mitzi. The musical Maria sees that all the von Trapp offspring are very talented and so begins their journey.

The picture you may have of the von Trapps from The Sound of Music needs clarification according to a now older Maria living in the United States. Having escaped the Nazis, she feels that Georg’s character needs to be softened. Three stars for this one.

4.5 rounded up
As a huge fan of the 1965 Rodgers & Hammerstein film, Sound of Music, I jumped at the chance to read Maria by Michelle Moran. I was further thrilled when I discovered that the book is not only the true story of the events that inspired the movie, the script of the Broadway musical is the basis of the entire book! Honestly, readers do not need to have seen the film or show to enjoy this wonderful historical fiction novel, but if you are a fan, you will be in heaven while you read.

The story takes place during the rehearsals for the opening of the Broadway show, Sound of Music. The main character, Fran works for Oscar Hammerstein, and while he is very busy, she is tasked with circumventing the disruption of Maria von Trapp, who has arrived and is intent on changing the inaccuracies in the script. As Maria tells Fran what really happened, the reader is transported back into the years when Maria was young and we hear her story through her eyes.

I learned so much that I did not know about the Trapp family, and also also adjusted my understanding of their inspiring story. This is the first book by Michelle Moran I have read, but it certainly will not be the last, as I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and appreciate the thoroughly researched story. She even includes an appendix that tells what happened to each of the family members after the story ended.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for the digital ARC of Maria: A ovel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran. The opinions in this review are my own.