We all know Maria. But do we really? Maria von Trapp has shown up to NYC to confront Oscar Hammerstein. She is very upset with his latest musical about her life. She ends up creating a friendship with his secretary, Fran. And Fran soon discovers almost everything she knew about Maria is false.

This is a well researched and awesome tale about a real life person we all know and love! Hollywood really fooled us! But, I still love Maria. She was raised in a horrible situation, escaped the Nazi’s, (barely) and just did the best she could. No, she was not perfect (like the movie portrays). She was human! And this book brings all that to life. She pushed her step kids into performing after they arrived in America, to the point that most of them disliked and hated singing.

While I was reading this book, I was steadily looking up the history surrounding Maria. How did I just assume Hollywood got it right???!! She was a strong, fascinating woman who loved fiercely and was determined to be the best.

Need a fantastic tale about a unique lady…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

4.5 stars - This is a must-read for The Sound of Music fans!

I was enraptured by this dual timeline, going between Maria's life as depicted in her biography, and the struggles she faced with the creation of the Broadway show. This was such a beautifully written journey with facts I didn't know about Maria's life.

As someone who grew up on the movie and worshiped it as a little girl, this book made my heart so happy, even though there were plenty of sad times throughout the story. While I was smiling at the end, I completely lost it during the author's note and had to pull myself together after about 15 minutes. I can't recommend this one enough!

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.

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 re-watch the movie after finishing the book.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dell for this e-arc.*

If you love historical fiction and grew up loving The Sound of Music, pick this one up for a fun, fictional dive further into Maria and her family. I absolutely loved this peak into the woman behind the play and movie I grew up watching, sharing hours and hours with my mom sharing in the music and story of the von Trapp family.

The book opens in the 1950s, with Rodgers & Hammerstein are working on the Broadway musical that is mean to tell the story of Maria’s life. When she finally gets to review the script, Maria is angry about the inaccuracies. Hammerstein the sends his (fictional) assistant to meet with Maria. In Maria and Fran's growing friendship, we learn more of the true story of Maria’s life and the von Trapp Family Singers.

Michelle's writing was engaging and it was easy to get drawn in to learn more about this emotional story that so many of us grew up familiar with. Albeit a fictional retelling, it was a fun read full of nostalgia and sweet sentiment that warmed my heart.

I'd watched The Sound of Music several times, and was always curious about the Von Trapp family, and how they came to settle in Vermont. This novel tells the story Maria wanted to tell, which is a bit different from the long standing fictionalized one. I really enjoyed this novel, and found myself going back to read more whenever I had a chance.

This is an excellent historical fiction, as it travels between the late 1950's, when the Broadway play was being developed, and Maria's actual life timeline as she relates her story to Oscar Hammerstein's fictional assistant. The transitions are clear and there is no confusion between the two timelines. Maria's childhood is heartbreakingly cruel, and it's unfortunate that she carried the trauma from that experience through her life and how it affected her relationship with her children.

This was a very good read, highly recommended! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

I received an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from NetGalley.com in return for a fair review. I have read Maria Von Trapp's autobiography, as well as the memoirs of one her daughters, who didn't paint a favorable picture of her stepmother, so I was curious about this book. Author Michelle Moran did a great job with Maria's story. It was interesting and certainly colorful. My biggest complaint was the Oscar Hammerstein story and the making of the theatrical play, The Sound of Music. Every time the story jumped forward to the 1950s, it jarred me and I never could figure out exactly who Fran, Eva, Jack, and Peter were. I only understood that they worked for Hammerstein. Perhaps, telling the story in a linear fashion and leading up to the play would have been better--at least for me as a reader. Maria's story, on the other hand, was well-written and definitely kept my interest. Hers was a unique life starting with her early years as an orphan, and her time spent in the convent, where she hoped to become a nun. Of course, her life story did not always concur with the Maria we know from the play and the movie, but it was fascinating nonetheless. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in reading about the real Maria Von Trapp--maybe read all of the Maria chapters and then go back to the beginning and read the Hammerstein chapters. That definitely would have worked better for me.

I was one of those people that didn't really like The Sound of Music, at least not enough to go back and see it more than once. I did think that if there was a real Maria she would be an interesting character and it wasn't until later that I found out she was a real person. In my defense I was only nine when the movie came out.

This book reminded me a little of Finding Dorothy in so far as we are learning the back story. Maria was an interesting character and I appreciated the way she fought for her family's survival during the war and then making sure her husband was depicted correctly in the movie. I have to admit that near the end I didn't like her as much but understood why she did what she did. If you loved The Sound of Music you may like this behind the scenes look.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House - Ballantine for providing me with a digital copy.

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!