This new novel by Michelle Moran is a fascinating, honest and richly woven story about Maria von Trapp 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 <b>The Sound of Music</b>, since the time I was a little girl.

Though <b>The Sound of Music</b> 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 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 DRC of this beautiful novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Maria by Michelle Moran is a somewhat fictionalized story of the life of Maria von Trapp, the nun turned nanny, then mother to the children of an Austrian baron. This is the story many of us grew up watching as The Sound of Music. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as a huge fan of the movie, and enjoyed seeing some of the true aspects of the story that were changed for the movie. I highly recommend it! Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Such an eye opening behind the scenes story of Maria von Trapp. I was immediately transported into the movie as I have watched it so very many times. Surprisingly, Maria was definitely not the beloved Julie Andrew’s as she was portrayed in the movie. Instead she was a real woman, a strong disciplinarian, who, in my opinion, was, at times, emotionally abusive to the children. Their life as the sensational singing group took precedence over everything else. I love that the author chose to tell Maria’s story, including her difficult childhood, which served to explain some of her behaviors as an adult.
The most intriguing part of this fictionalized version was the fact that the movie radically fictionalized much of the von Trapp’s story. I was never aware of that before. I also loved the focus on Hammerstein and most of all the fictitious Fran. In my mind there had to be a real Fran, frantically trying to control Maria’s response to the Broadway production as well as the movie. I cannot imagine how difficult it was for her to see them rewriting her life in order to make it more appealing to audiences - no wonder she was so very frustrated.
This read showed a real family with real issues - flawed as real families are, as opposed to the cupcakes and kittens version I have always pictured. Definitely more relatable. There is bound to be a huge resurgence of The Sound of Music after readers everywhere choose to watch it again. I know I am going to.
Many thanks to Michelle Moran, Dell, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this walk down memory lane, seeing this fairy tale family through a different, more realistic lens. A must read for those who grew up watching The Sound of Music. Publishing on July 30th.

MARIA: A NOVEL OF MARIA VON TRAPP by Michelle Moran is well-told and enlightening novel based on the real story of the life of Maria von Trapp, the iconic character in the popular musical and movie, The Sound of Music. Anyone who has seen The Sound of Music likely feels they already know all about Maria and the von Trapp family, but in this novel, readers will learn that much of the truth was altered for the stage production to increase its appeal. The story begins in the 1950s, when Rodgers & Hammerstein are working on the Broadway musical that is supposedly a retelling of the story of Maria’s life. But when Maria sees the script, she in furious about the many inaccuracies and demands changes. Hammerstein sends his assistant, the fictional Fran Connelly, to meet with Maria and hopefully appease her. Through the growing friendship between Maria and Fran, the reader learns the true story of Maria’s early life and the origins of the Trapp Family Singers. As a big fan of the movie, I enjoyed this engrossing and emotional story told from Maria’s point of view. Don’t miss the Author’s Note at the end about which parts are fact and which are fiction. I highly recommend this book and thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

Maria is the (almost, because it is still historical fiction) story of the real Maria von Trapp - the woman who inspired The Sound of Music. The novel takes place weeks before the musical is supposed to open; Maria reaches out to Oscar Hammerstein because she wants to share her dissatisfaction with how she and her family are being portrayed. Fran, Hammerstein’s secretary, is sent to take notes on what she wants changed and why. Over the course of a week, Maria tells her life story to Fran and the reader learns how it differs from the one we have all grown up with.

I was so excited to read this because I loved watching The Sound of Music when I was young (and my kids did too) and I always enjoy Michelle Moran’s books on female historical figures. I found learning Maria’s story outside of how the musical portrayed her to be interesting because I had never really thought about the real people behind the musical until I visited the von Trapp Family Lodge in 2021 (and the food was delicious - and their beer and cheese if you can find it in stores, is fabulous!). After that visit (and still constantly eating the cheese) I have actually been very curious about the real story behind the family so this book definitely scratched an itch for me - and since Moran wrote it, it was enjoyable to read. The novel also shows how Hollywood takes a biographical story and changes it to fit into a mold of what it thinks people want to see rather than the truth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Dell for the ARC to review

The Sound of Music was my absolute favorite movie as a child. I have read several books about the Von Trapp family and driven by the family’s lodge in Vermont to gawk. So when this ARC came available I was thrilled. And the book does not disappoint. It’s a fictional account based on a number of sources, mostly the autobiographical book written by Maria. And while the conversations may be created by the author, most of the events are absolutely true. What an amazing life Maria had. Yes it differs from the play and the movie, but the essence is still the same. Thank you Ms Moran for reminding me how much I love the Von Trapp story.

What a lovely read Michelle Moran ! This unique take on Maria Von Trapp brought me so much joy! This is actually a novel about the creation of the musical 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑐 and brings to light several nuances I was unaware of. As soon as Penguin Random House reached out asking if I was interested in a review copy of this novel, there was no hesitation in my response! What a privilege to be an early reader of this gem!

Each page brought back a flood of memories of this classic musical, and I just couldn't put it down. The story takes place in the late 50s during the making of the unforgettable musical. Maria Von Trapp is none too pleased with Hammerstein and the way her life story has been changed. The resulting meetings between Maria and Hammerstein's assistant allow us to see the "real story" through her descriptions. Things don't veer too far off course (aside from the truth behind Leisl, IYKYK😂), until after midway through the book. At that point, the true history begins to deviate from the musical, which is quite fascinating, and you'll just have to read to find out!

I loved every minute and highly recommend it for 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑐 fans!!! I haven't stopped singing the songs since I turned the last page of the book!

Thank you so much, partners Penguin Random House & NetGalley for this gifted review copy!

For more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread.

This is a fictional account of the Von Trapp family, inspired by books written by Maria Von Trapp. Rodgers and Hammerstein are currently producing the play The Sound of Music. However, Maria is unhappy with how her family's story is being depicted. She shares her true story with an employee of Hammerstein's. I truly loved this book and appreciated hearing Maria's perspective, even though it differs from the portrayal in The Sound of Music.

Maria by Michelle Moran was a wonderful historical fiction story.
A well written story that was utterly fascinating.

Thank You NetGalley and Random House, Ballantine & Dell for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Love this cover? Can you hear those hills? They are alive. With the Sound of Music!! If you are like me, this musical has been a staple in your life. In fact, I am the same age as the movie. When I saw this book pop up on NetGalley I knew I had to read it. And I was not disappointed.

What Moran has done is given us the real-life Maria von Trapp telling her own story juxtaposed against a bittersweet making of the play for Oscar Hammerstein. In my opinion, there was just the right amount of both sides of the story to do justice to Maria and Hammerstein. If you have read any of Maria von Trapp's books, you know that the Hammerstein/Rodgers play script had some major differences. Many are set out for us right at the beginning of the book in a letter written by Maria. Don't let that letter get you down. There is magic in this story and Michelle Moran has captured it in this new release. This book will definitely be one of my favorite things from this summer. I'll bet you also will be singing your favorite numbers from this show as you enjoy the book.

Here is my favorite:
Edelweiss...
Edelweiss...
Every morning you greet me
Small and white, clean and bright
You look happy to meet me
Blossom of snow
May you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever...

Edelweiss...
Edelweiss...
Bless my homeland forever...
Small and white, clean and bright
You look happy to meet me
Blossom of snow
May you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever...

Edelweiss...
Edelweiss...
Bless my homeland forever... ~ Oscar Hammerstein II

Includes notes on What Ever Happened To. . . and Book Club Questions. Happy Publication Week! Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.🌼

3.5 rounded down. While the book is an interesting look into the reality behind The Sound of Music, I did not find it to be especially well written. I enjoyed learning the truth as well as getting to know Hammerstein’s character a bit and I appreciated the Author’s Note at the end. However, it was the writing overall I didn’t love. Fran’s character was flat as were Jack and Peter. The “moment” between Fran and Peter was cheesy and pretty random. I also wonder how we are supposed to really feel about Maria? She is an interesting character who isn’t necessarily like-able. I admit the scene with Edelweiss being revealed was a nice one but other than that the book elicited no real feelings. I would recommend it to Sound of Music fans if they want a quick, shallow overview of its background.

At first, I was reluctant to read this book. A longtime fan of The Sound of Music, I was afraid that reading this book might spoil my love for the film. However, this is simply a wonderful story that brings me more knowledge about the von Trapp family and their struggles and triumphs. I devoured this book in a single day because it was so wonderful!

In the 1950's Oscar Hammerstein is asked to write the lyrics to a musical based on the life of a woman named Maria Von Trapp. He knows that this inspirational story has big Broadway potential, but he will have to reinvent a lot of the story of the Von Trapp family, because the audiences will not want to pay to see just how close the family came to being captured by the Nazis. When Maria sees the script supposedly based on her life, she becomes so incensed she goes straight to Mr. Hammerstein's office, demanding changes. He pawns her off on his secretary Fran, who strikes up a friendship with the woman. Maria tells Fran the truth of her life, and how much of the story we now know as "The Sound Of Music" is actually fabricated.

My world was rocked after reading this book. Maria was not at all how she was portrayed in "The Sound Of Music". It is quite frankly hard to reconcile the two. There were so many things they didn't show, and things they did show, that didn't actually happen. This book was fascinating, to say the least. I loved how at the end the author listed all of the family members and what happened to them. If you are a fan of historical fiction, or you just enjoy that musical, then you will love this book. I guarantee it!

I’ve loved “The Sound of Music” since childhood, so I was really interested in reading this book! I enjoyed the way the author used multiple timelines to set the record straight on the true story of the von Trapps, while also telling the story of the musical being created by Rodgers & Hammerstein. The stories told in this book show a different Maria than the one you see in the musical/movie, making her seem real and flawed instead of perfect and perpetually cheerful. Read this book if you enjoy a fresh, “behind the scenes” type of perspective on a well known story.

Maria by Michelle Moran is a fictional novel based on the real story of Maria von Trapp. In the 1950s, Oscar Hammerstein was asked to write the lyrics to a new musical based on the life of a woman named Maria von Trapp. Intrigued by the inspirational story, and as one of the famous Rodgers and Hammerstein duo, he knows it will be Broadway gold. But with the war still fresh on the audience's mind, he is reluctant to show the horrors in their story. Everything is going well until Maria insists on a meeting with Hammerstein to demand he tell her story correctly. Instead of a meeting with the famous lyricist, she meets with Fran, his secretary, who takes notes as Maria recounts her story which contradicts the story being told in the new musical. Generations know her name and the musical but do they know the real Maria von Trapp?
The Sound of Music is a beloved classic musical and film that inspired generations with the story of the would-be nun who fell in love and narrowly escaped from the Nazis. Maria is a story of love, love and difficult choices that life forces us to make. It is also a reminder that real life is much more complicated than the stories told by Hollywood. I have been a fan of the film musical since I was a child and I always knew that the musical doesn’t get everything right about the story of the von Trapps. Beyond the sweet, caring Maria in the musical, Maria von Trapp was a woman who lived through a tragic young life vowing to keep her family intact at all cost. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you love The Sound of Music, you will love Maria. I highly recommend checking it out.

Maria will be available on July 30th in paperback, eBook and audiobook

This is my favorite book of the year so far! Maria by Michelle Moran is a must read.

I have seen The Sound of Music movie 36 times so far, and I don't like to rewatch movies. When I was given the chance to read this book, I couldn't wait. The Sound of Music movie was actually one of the three reasons that I decided to become a teacher.

Are you curious to know which part of the movie is actually true about Maria Von Trapp's life, and which parts are different? This book takes place when Rogers and Hammerstein were creating the Broadway musical; they based it on the German movie version of the script. Maria is now an older woman and isn't happy with the way her life and the Von Trapp's story is being presented, and she wants the script to be changed.

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.

I was incredibly sad when I finished this book because I didn't want it to end. It was like saying goodbye to my all-time favorite character once again. I now want to read other books written by Moran because it's obvious she does a lot of research for her books.

If you enjoyed the movie, I believe that you will enjoy this book as well. If you haven't seen the movie, you will learn a lot about that time period.

I gave this book five out of five stars. I keep thinking about this book, and that means it earns five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Michelle Moran for my free copy. This is my honest review.

As a lover of Sound of Music since childhood I jumped at the chance to read Maria and find out more about this beloved family and its matriarch. I believe Moran captures Maria's at-times-complicated story, weaving it together alongside the production of the New York City Broadway play in the late 1950s. We learn why Maria was upset at how the second half of the story was being portrayed as we discover how her upbringing shaped who she really was, and how she came to the villa in Austria where her future family awaited. Moran's impeccable research comes to life in these pages with different points of view, culminating in a lovely and sometimes heart-wrenching true story of the Von Trapp family.
Highly recommend!
Now off to read Maria's own autobiographies and of course, to watch The Sound of Music!
Thanks to NetGalley and Dell Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are mine.

In September 1959, the Broadway musical of The Sound of Music was in the midst of rehearsals, getting ready for its upcoming premiere. Maria von Trapp had written to lyricist Oscar Hammerstein, expressing her concerns over the inaccuracies in the show, particularly regarding the portrayal of her husband, the Baron. She threatened to go to the media if changes were not made. Hammerstein asked his assistant, Fran, a promising writer, to meet with Maria. Through these meetings, the true story of Maria and the Von Trapp family is told.

Michelle Moran has done extensive research to bring us the enjoyable Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp. It was fascinating learning how the beloved show and the 1965 movie were adapted to deliver a sweet, uplifting story and how they deviated from reality. Maria's troubled childhood as well as the years after the family escaped Austria bring a new perspective to the Von Trapp story. The Sound of Music turned out to be Oscar Hammerstein's final musical. His presence in the book is not large but his great talent comes through. Having watched The Sound of Music numerous times on stage and screen, I found this engaging book perfectly suited for me. If you can still recall the lyrics to Edelweiss or My Favorite Things, then this book is a must-read for you.

4.25 stars.

Thank you to Dell Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is another book that I just flew through, which is unusual these days. I did not grow up watching The Sound of Music every year, although I understand it was on television. I first saw the movie when I was 19 and was gob smacked that I hadn’t seen it before then! I knew from watching some documentaries and reading articles that the movie veered very differently than the real life von Trapps.

I loved the way the author took the real-life events and experiences and weaved an interesting story. Maria is such an interesting person and a lot different than the much-loved Julie Andrews portrayal on screen. I knew from my other readings that Maria was the task master and disciplinarian, while the Baron was more tender-hearted.

The spin with this book is that Maria is telling her story to an assistant to Oscar Hammerstein just weeks before The Sound of Music premiered on Broadway. So you get a little bit more background into the making of the musical, which was also based upon a German movie made several years before.

This is just such a lovely book for fans of The Sound of Music or lovers of historical fiction. There’s a great Author’s note which explains what was real and what was not in the book, which is always appreciated.

For more reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com

I can’t tell you how much I love the movie The Sound of Music. It’s been my favorite since I was little so when I saw that I was approved for this ARC on NetGalley, I was so excited!! And I absolutely loved this book!

It was so interesting to learn about Rodgers & Hammerstein, a little about their song writing process, and the play that came before the movie.

Of course, my favorite parts were learning about the real Maria von Trapp and what her life was actually like. The author also includes what Maria’s life was like during the making of the play & movie, which I found surprising!
I kept pausing to tell my husband all the new things I was learning about the von Trapp’s! 😂

I could go on and on about all of the discrepancies between the movie family and the real one, and give all of my opinions on them, but I’ll let you discover all of it yourself! I teared up several times throughout the book and there were so many beautiful scenes as well. It’s incredible what this family has been through.
Edelweiss is my favorite song from the movie, and the story of how that song came to be and it’s legacy, absolutely made me cry 🥹🤍

I’ve never read anything by this author before, and I really enjoyed her writing style! I want to read more of her books now! I also liked the author’s note at the end that explained what was real and what was fiction, as well as the “Where are they now?” section!

If you’re a fan of The Sound of Music and are interested in the true story of the von Trapp family, I can’t recommend this book enough! You will absolutely love it!
It will be available on July 30th! 🎵💙

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this advanced copy!