I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review back in April. The cover caught my eye immediately as it suggests the opening of the iconic movie, The Sound of Music. But then I put off reading it for awhile because that movie was a childhood favorite and I began to fear that this book would somehow "taint" the movie for me. I need not have feared. Moran pulled me into the story from the very first page in an unexpected scene - a party in the Hamptons's where Oscar Hammerstein is holding forth on the piano, and several of his assistants in attendance are chatting about various people in attendance. These assistants are working with him as The Sound of Music is about to open on broadway - rehearsals have begun even if not every song has been written yet. This is the entry point to tell the "real story" of Maria von Trapp and correct some of the misconceptions of the broadway musical and thus, the movie. The writing was engaging, entertaining, and educational all at once, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 5 stars for a book that provided some much need down time with a little nostalgia mixed in.

MARIA
BY: MICHELLE MORAN

This is a very challenging review to write about, but I will do my best to make it coherent. I've read my ARC called, Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp, twice because of a couple of reasons. I fell in love with this impressive, and brand new happy discovery to me, Author whose name is Michelle Moran. She is an incredible, gifted Author of this historical novel named, Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp, whose ability to captivate my attention with her writing prowess in storytelling, made it impossible for me to stop reading. She was able to make this an outstanding reading experience that surpassed my expectations to the highest extent possible. Her Author's Note, at the end, is not to be missed, and it supplies additional factual information that isn't included in the narrative, but is super interesting done through her impeccable research that enhanced this even more. This Author, Michelle Moran, is an internationally bestselling author of eight historical novels, which because I found her writing style so compelling, I'm going to read her prior work which I noticed in the titles who the subjects she wrote about are, and I'm definitely considering them to be a treat, and super enjoyable. Right after I finish writing this review, I'm planning on buying every single one of Michelle Moran's historical novels that is available, that's how excited I am about recommending this one highly to both men and women. I always read the Author's Acknowledgement section, and coincidentally in it turns out that she thanked one of my top favorite Historical fiction, Author, Allison Pataki, for putting her in touch with someone who had met Maria, while staying in the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont. I have read every single published book that Allison Pataki, has written, and I can't wait until her next one is available. I can guarantee you that I'll be reading any future work of this fantastic author of, Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp, who brought not only the story of Maria to be fully fleshed out as a three dimensional character, but also her husband whose name is Captain Georg von Trapp, and, all of their children to stunning characterizations, enough to differentiate through descriptions for me to visualize the entire family full to life as if I met them. .

Where I fell down the rabbit hole of confusion was when I reached the ending and I read the helpful Book Club Guide Discussion Questions, which I'm always grateful and appreciate it when given this valuable resource as is included at the novel's end. I got hung up on the first question which sent me on a mission to carefully reread this ARC for a second time and, also watching again the original movie and musical of 'The Sound of Music.' I watched the version I saw as a young child, and the original one that starred, Julie Andrews, who was cast as the character acting in the film as the role of Maria. I wasn't born yet, to go to the preceding Broadway play written by the theater writing team of Composer, Richard Rodgers, and, Lyricist-Dramatist, Oscar Hammerstein II, who together created a series of innovative and influential American musicals. Their musical theater writing partnership has been called the greatest of the Twentieth century. What is a common question of most lovers of the genre of historical fiction is how much is the novel factual and what parts were fictional? In the Author's Note, Michelle Moran clears some of that up nicely with more gems that are illuminating and made this historical novel so memorable.

It begins in 1959, where Oscar Hammerstein is writing the lyrics to a new musical for a Broadway Play and it has reached the phase of rehearsals at a theater in New York City. His assistants and secretary Fran think this is the best work he's written. They all are discussing what a masterfully brilliant written creation he has accomplished, although he hasn't finished all of the lyrics, yet. He definitely has been arriving to work later and he seems to be taking longer to complete this stunning work. The consensus among his assistants and his secretary thinks that this Broadway Play and musical is even better than both previous successful musicals he had written 'The King and I,' and 'Showboat.' It is based on Maria von Trapp and family's lives except the script has deviated from presenting their factual story containing errors in its portrayal which doesn't reflect their lives. He hasn't yet chosen the title, but it will eventually be called, 'The Sound of Music.'

The producer calls about some commotion going on at the theater by Maria von Trapp, which he wants Oscar Hammerstein to deal with. Maria has learned that the Broadway Play and Musical that's supposed to be based on her and her family is full of egregious errors and since Hammerstein is busy he has sent his secretary named Fran. Fran is an English literature major who is also an aspiring writer. Hammerstein has sent Fran to listen to Maria's life story with a notepad to write it down and she will give her notes to him. Maria hopes that by meeting with Fran there will be corrections made to the script. Fran reads both the script and Maria's autobiography and over the course of the two of them meeting and listening to Maria telling her life story she understands the reasons why Maria wants the script changed. Maria's goal is for the Broadway Play and Musical to reflect both her and her family presented to the public depicting their lives as facts that are accurate. Fran has concerns that even though Maria sold her story to the producer giving up her rights in the sale, Maria could go to the Press and cause the Broadway Play and Musical bad publicity. Fran tells Maria that at this stage it's too late to change the script, but she's determined that Hammerstein read her detailed notes.
These chapters are interspersed throughout the entire novel regarding Fran and Maria's meetings are short and a minor part of the main narrative.

Following immediately after the events that take place in 1959, regarding the preparation of the Broadway Play and musical the majority of the narrative focus reverts back in time beginning with Maria's life at roughly age eight or nine years old taking place in Salzberg, Austria in a rural area nearby. Maria's mother died when she was two years old and although her Great Aunt and her Aunt show Maria kindness and shower her with love she has a hard life where the family is poor. Maria's Uncle is the source of being on the receiving end of her Uncle's cruel treatment of her for nothing that she does causes it. It appears that he is angry that Maria lives with them seeing her as a burden. She tries to avoid him by hiding in the basement. Her father who she barely knows shows up one day offering to teach Maria to play a musical instrument which she has to travel to his home once a week. At first Maria doesn't want to go but she discovers the urban area to be in a wealthier environment that is evident that he lives in a upper class apartment that she is filled with awe and wonder marveling at the beautiful room with a wide assortment of musical instruments. He gives her lessons in his home teaching her how to play the guitar. They sing and he tells her she has a beautiful voice. In another room when she first arrives he allows her time to spend a few minutes in another room where she has never seen so many different kinds of exotic birds. Her father is all business and he quickly escorts her back to her music lessons. One day after their lessons are finished she asks him if she can spend the night and he refuses telling her that there's nowhere in his home for a girl to stay. Shortly after she is told that her father died by her Great Aunt and her Great Aunt's daughter which is Maria's Aunt. Now she is an orphan I assume that her isolation and the loss of both parents, she developed a life long fear of abandonment since she feels that everybody leaves her.

Here's the quote from the first question of the Book Club Discussion Guide that confused me: 1. "What is the most shocking difference between Maria von Trapp's REAL LIFE AND HER LIFE AS IT'S PORTRAYED IN THE MOVIE?" When I read that question and please excuse my capital letters, they aren't me yelling or angry. The question had me before my second reading of the ARC, thinking that the whole historical novel was based in fact. I no longer think that could ever be a remote possibility, but I'm assuming, as much as possible of what is written about in the historical novel was true. That's not to be taken out of context My answer to the question and I won't give specifics since it would spoil it for the reader. And I am being repetitive here but, if you enjoyed the original movie and musical of, 'The Sound of Music', you not only want to read this, you need to read this book. My answer is that in the movie as much as I still love it, there are a large amount of differences between this historical masterpiece and the movie. I'm so grateful to have had the privilege of having been granted an ARC of this masterly told tale. The pure pleasure of discovering a new Author, whose efforts at researching to make this as authentic as possible, rendered a beautiful story that shines as sparkling bright as the golden yellow sunshine. This one deserves all of the stars and certainly more than five!

Publication Date: July 30, 2024

Thank you to Net Galley, The Terrifically Talented, Michelle Moran and the always gracious, Random House Publishing Group--Ballantine/Dell for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#Maria #MichelleMoran #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantineDell #NetGalley

Fascinating. This is not the Maria von Trapp we all watched in the Sound of Music but a more realistic, complex real human. Maria's story was much more complicated than the movie portrayed and she wasn't the nicest person. Much of this is about the making of the movie-about the negotiations with Rodgers and Hammerstein and how things were changed to fit the script. It's a cautionary tale about what happens when your life becomes a movie. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good storytelling makes this a very good read.

The real story of the Von Trapp family. Maria is not as nice as she is portrayed in the movie. The Captain is not as stern. Overall an interesting story of a family in exile.

I love The Sound of Music!! It’s the first musical I ever saw and probably why I like musicals to this day.
I also love this author and was excited to have the opportunity to read an early copy.
I truly enjoyed this book and it was interesting to see the differences. I have to say I like how the characters were portrayed in the movie over how they were in real life. It’s a good book and just perfect for any Sound of Music fan

This is a wonderful book that fills in the true story of the much loved “The Sound of Music”. It has long been a favorite of mine and I confess that I watch it every time it is on. I love the music, the plot and the wonderful actors and actresses. I never knew that it was possible that the story was not exactly as portrayed by the play or Hollywood. This is an in-depth look at the real story as it happened. Maria Trapp was not at all happy with Oscar Hammerstein’s telling of the story. In this novel you get to know her as a real person. I am still hooked. This will be a book you will want to read and I highly recommend it to all readers. Book clubs will love it. It is a quick read as you look forward to having time to get back to the story. Read it, enjoy it and then go watch the movie again. This is sure to be a best seller!

I wish to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishers - Dell for allowing me to read a copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a delightful historical novel about Maria von Trapp as Rodgers and Hammerstein were preparing to debut The Sound of Music on Broadway. If you've read her autobiography, you know the musical bears little resemblance to their actual story. This book corrects many of those differences by using them as talking points as Maria asks for changes to be made to the script.

I enjoyed this book, and I would encourage fans of the musical to give it a read.

Family friendly.

Believing the script for “The Sound of Music” misrepresents her life, Maria von Trapp goes to confront playwright Oscar Hammerstein. She forms an unexpected friendship with his secretary, Fran, and recounts her true story, revealing the discrepancies between her life and the musical’s narrative.

This book is so fun! Fans of “The Sound of Music” will love it. The story is familiar but more detailed, complex, and nuanced than the musical.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

If you’re a lover of the Sound of Music and historical fiction, this is the novel for you. This book gave me insight into the history of the musical I love adding in details from history of Rogers and Hammerstein as well. Read all the back content as well for more insights.

Oh my goodness I loved this one!!! For anyone who is a fan of Sound of Music...this is for you! It reminded me a little bit of the movie Saving Mr. Banks. I loved simultaneously learning about the actual history of the Von Trapp family & also Broadway in the 1950s. I loved the "where are they now" at the back of the book too! I thought the writing was wonderful throughout the entire book - I was totally hooked and wanted to read every minute I could. I think the author did a great job going back and forth in time too. Highly recommend!

In the 1950s, Oscar Hammerstein is asked to write the lyrics to a musical based on the life of a woman named Maria von Trapp. He’s intrigued to learn that she was once a novice who hoped to live quietly as an Austrian nun before her abbey sent her away to teach a widowed baron’s sickly child. What should have been a ten-month assignment, however, unexpectedly turned into a marriage proposal, and when the family was forced to flee their home to escape the Nazis, it was Maria who taught them on how to survive using nothing but the power of their voices.

It’s an inspirational story, Hammerstein knows it has big Broadway potential. Yet much of Maria’s life was not known and was reinvented for the stage,
But when Maria sees the script that is supposedly based on her life, she becomes so incensed that she sets off to confront Hammerstein in person. Told that he’s busy, she is asked to express her concerns to his secretary, Fran, instead. The pair strike up an unlikely friendship as Maria tells Fran about her life, contradicting much of what will eventually appear in The Sound of Music.

I grew up loving the movie, The Sound of Music thinking that it was an accurate portrayal of Maria's life. Maria is a powerful reminder that the truth is usually more complicated—and certainly more compelling—than the stories immortalized by Hollywood. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read the TRUE story of Maria Von Trapp and her life which is indeed very different from the screenplay. I highly recommend.

I fist saw the Sound of Music as a child and, like so many, fell hard and fast for the music, the story, and the scenery. This was an incredible look into the life of Maria Von Trapp from childhood on. The focal timeline is in 1950s during the making of the Sound of Music broadway musical with flashbacks told by Maria of the true story vs. what the musical is showing. I was so fascinated by this story I ended up staying up crazy late two nights in a row just to finish it and then went down the rabbit hole of research immediately after finishing.

I think anyone who loved the movie will also find this to be an illuminating and enjoyable read!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the arc via Netgalley

4.5/5⭐️
Pub day: July 30

I know this is Historical Fiction but it felt like we were really getting to know Maria Von Trapp's real story. It was neat to see that a lot of the beginning of the movie was based on actual facts (other than the oldest child being a boy and not a girl). It was great to read about how the Captain and Maria really were in personality and the children. I was interesting to see the difference in the second half compared to the movie. I can see why Hammerstein went the route he did. Definitely a must read for Sound of Music fans and even those that aren't as the story is fantastic!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

How do you solve a problem like Maria? Well, if you're Oscar Hammerstein, you assign a secretary to keep her occupied so she can't complain about how the musical version of The Sound of Music differs from her actual life. Michelle Moran's novel Maria examines the life of the real Maria Von Trapp - from her difficult upbringing, to her marrying a real life sea captain, their blended family becoming a musical sensation, and finally their life becoming a musical that sugar-coated the harsh realities of escaping from the nazis. The novel centers around the real life Maria Von Trapp being made aware that her family's story was being turned into a musical by Rogers and Hammerstein. Maria wants the musical to reflect more of her family's real life details, which gets in the way of Rogers and Hammerstein's creative process.

They assign a secretary named Fran an aspiring writer, to take down Maria's suggestions (and keep Maria otherwise occupied.) As Maria tells her Trapp tale, Fran is enraptured by Maria's story of an abusive upbringing by an uncle, her commitment to teaching and to becoming a nun, and her unlikely marriage to a dashing widowed sea captain and becoming the stepmother to his seven children (SHE REALLY DID MAKE THE KIDS CURTAIN PLAYCLOTHES!!!!!) Moran reveals the girl underneath the wimple and the wife, mother, performer, and entrepreneur she became (upon retirement from music the Trapp Family opened an inn and music camp in Vermont.) Readers won't want to say "so long, farewell, auf wiedersein, goodbye" to this moving novel.

I have also loved "The Sound of Music," you will love a dive into Michelle Moran's new novel, "Maria!" This novel is told from the viewpoints of Fran, who works as Oscar Hammerstein's assistant, and Maria Von Trapp, who is objecting to how her story differs from the play. It is just a few weeks to go until the Broadway premiere of "The Sound of Music" with Mary Martin, and Maria has some objections to how the family is being portrayed in the play versus their real life story.

Fran is sent to meet with Maria and take note on what Maria's objections are. Through recollections from Frau Von Trapp, Fran is captivated by Maria's story - what actually happened and what has been changed in the upcoming play. The novel incorporates much of the Von Trapp family's story - from Maria's viewpoint.

This is a fascinating read! Thanks so much to Net Galley, the publisher, and Moran for this great read! If you are also a fan of this beautiful musical, check this one out!

This was a very interesting book to read. I didn't realize before reading this book that the von Trapp family really existed. I grew up watching The Sound of Music, but I guess I never knew it was based on a true story. There are so many things I enjoyed about this novel. I loved learning of Hammerstein writing the musical and Maria reaching out to change the play. I loved learning about how Rodger and Hammerstein ran their office. I feel like reading this story made The Sound of Music even more special to me.

It seems that the von Trapp family has both good and bad times as a singing group. My heart aches for Maria as she obviously had a great deal of guilt and remorse over how she raised her children. It seems that maybe Georg was more lighthearted parent and she was more the disciplinarian. I do think that there was genuine love between Georg and Maria. Learning of Maria very sad beginning in life is heartbreaking and I can understand her not wanting anyone to leave her.

If you enjoyed The Sound of Music I would highly recommend this book because I feel it gives the story more depth.


Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for the ARC of this book. All opinion are my own.

I am a huge Sound of Music fan but I never considered that the musical that I loved (well, still love) was based on something true. When I got the widget for Maria, I figured that this was going to be a creative interpretation of the film. Well, color me surprised when I did a quick Google search and found out that Maria Van Trapp was real, as were the events surrounding her escape. I shouldn't have been surprised because writers have taken liberties with factual events since, well, forever. Reading this book was eye-opening; from Maria's viewpoint and the viewpoint of the secretary, she told the "true" story, too.

In 1959 Maria von Trapp marches into the infamous Lunt-Fontanne Theater. Yes, Maria von Trapp is an actual woman and she was angry. When Rogers & Hammerstein bought the rights to produce The Sound of Music from a German film company they used their artistic license to create the life they imagined for the family that escaped the Nazi’s and became a global singing sensation. But Maria lived this life. There were too many things that the play did not capture. Too many things their beautiful family had tragically lost. Always indefatigable, Maria meets with Fran, a secretary and writer who works for Hammerstein. The women walk through Central Park as Maria paints a picture of the magnificent hills of Austria and the family’s rise to fame. Born in 1905, Maria was orphaned at an early age and sent to live with an unkind uncle who terrified them all. Finally escaping to go to teachers college, Maria discovered her natural gift for music and singing. After her training she entered the Nonberg Abbey where she adored her students and was on her way to becoming a nun. Maria was finally at home, praying she would never be alone again. At 21 she received an opportunity to teach a sickly child, one of seven siblings at Baron von Trapp’s estate, and she accepted. Their father, the Baron, was 25 years her senior and his quiet house was still mourning the loss of their mother, the Baroness Agathe. Maria brought life and music back into their lives and well, the rest is history. I adored every single page of this amazing work of historical fiction. One of my all time favorite musicals, this new novel is an absolute joy and not to be missed.

We have all seen the movie, The Sound of Music, with great songs and beautiful scenery. Well, there is a backstory behind the play/movie. Maria by Michelle Moran takes us a step further into the life of Maria Kutschera, who’s only wish is to become a nun. When the Mother Superior assigns Maria to become tutor to the seven motherless von Trapp children, little did she know what adventures awaited her. When Oscar Hammerstein decides to bring Maria’s story to the New York City stage, problems arise. Maria is not happy with the production and believes it does not tell an accurate story of the joys and struggles of the von Trapp family. She is especially upset that it does not portray Georg as the gentle man he was. Mr. Hammerstein sends his assistant, Fran, to meet with Maria and try to solve these issues. Maria begins to tell Fran about her life and how it differs from the story presented in the play. Maria and Fran become friends. Together, they are able to satisfy Maria’s concerns, maintain the opening date of the play and, most especially, bring her and some of her children together again. There is also the story of Fran, an aspiring writer, and her struggle to find her place in the literary world and finds romance along the way. I totally enjoyed the “What Ever Happened To” section in the back of the book which brings the reader up to date as to where the von Trapp children, now adults, are today. A nice read.

I have watched Sound of Music a couple of times in the past but the next time I watch it it's going to have a new meaning for me. I loved this raw retelling of Maria von Trapp's life story. It's sadly beautiful.
I was reading the authors notes on her writing the book and this struck me as so true.
"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."
I now cannot see Julia Andrews in the musical as being the right portrayal of Maria at all. If you absolutely love the musical, you may not want to read the book and ruin your image of Maria.
Great 5* read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Moran, and Dell publication for allowing me this e-arc to read. The above opinion in solely my own.