Absolutely terrific novel of Maria Von Trapp (yes, that Maria, of Sound of Music fame)! The book starts when Maria is in the convent, planning to take her vows in the next year. The Mother Superior comes to her with a request: a widowed Baron needs a teacher for his ill child while his regular teacher is away for 9 months. when Maria arrives, she finds a rigidly structured household, with children who are not allowed to be children because that's the way nobility is raised in those times. Maria jumps right in, helping all the children and bringing music and play into their lives. We all know the rest of her story....at least, the part that is covered in The Sound of Music. But that's not the half of it.

Fast forward to the 1950's. Oscar Hammerstein is writing the lyrics to what will become The Sound of Music the play. Largely based on a movie about the Von Trapp family from years before, he is ready to go into the production, when a whirlwind by the name of Maria Von Trapp arrives, outraged by what she sees as inaccuracies in the production. She tries to contact Hammerstein directly but he's too busy, so he hands her off to Fran, his secretary. Fran is fascinated by Maria, and what she learns in their many meetings together convinces her to help Maria get changes made to more accurately reflect the Von Trapp family. There are many traps and obstacles; the money and administrative people are worried that Maria will go public with her disagreements and tank the play. Fran would like to help more accurately portray the Baron. In the many meetings that Fran and Maria have right up to the preview, a greater understanding of both sides begins to develop.

I had heard in the past that Maria was not all sweetness and light as portrayed in the musical. In "Maria" we get to see the development of the woman that the young novice Maria becomes, warts and all. Its a fascinating portrayal, honest while at the same time helping us to see the complete Maria. I loved this book, absolutely could not put it down! An amazing and wonderful portrayal! I would give it 10 stars if I could.

Ok.... The Sound of Music is my favorite movie. The amount of times I have watched it is a little alarming. I was ecstatic when I saw this book.... absolutely a YES for me. And the book did not disappoint in the least. There were some slower moments- but that's true of any book like this. Overall I hung on every word, hummed the songs in my head and was just delighted to be reading it!

Maria by Michelle Moran is a fictionalized account of Maria von Trapp, who was made famous by the musical & movie, The Sound of Music. The narrative shifts between Fran, assistant to lyricist Oscar Hammerstein, and Maria herself, who tells her story to Fran in the hopes that the writers of the musical will change the narrative to reflect what actually happened.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and while it was historical fiction, I learned a great deal about Maria's real life, and the struggles she had to overcome. If you enjoy historical fiction and are a fan of musicals - namely the Sound of Music - you will enjoy this book and gain a new appreciation for the world at that time and the actual life events of Mrs. von Trapp.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an advance e-reader copy of this book!

I was invited to read this by the publisher, and instantly accepted after having been lured in by the book cover. I have a vague memory as a small child of seeing the movie "The Sound of Music" starring Julie Andrews as Maria Von Trapp. I don't remember a lot of it other than the beginning when Maria spins slowly in her dress, arms aloft, and bursts into song, the gorgeous mountainous backdrop behind her, in addition to some catchy songs from the soundtrack. It hearkens back to a much simpler and wholesome time. Even so, I wasn't particularly eager to read it. So what a welcome surprise that this turned out to be such an engaging and charming offering!

The premise is that composer/lyricist team Rodgers and Hammerstein are producing the theatrical musical version on Broadway in NYC in the late 1950s, and Maria Von Trapp has an ax to grind about the accuracy of the script. She travels to confront them and set the story straight, and she must be handled with kid gloves in case she would give them bad press. Hammerstein's underling Fran is tasked with meeting with Maria Von Trapp to document her concerns, and these launch Von Trapp into telling her life story, from how she became a postulant at the nunnery in Austria, to becoming a teacher for "The Captain's" youngest daughter recovering from scarlet fever at their stately home- etc., etc. I don't want to give away too much for those who don't know the story. Well, the fact is I didn't know a lot of the story, and so was enchanted "hearing" Maria's point of view. Her character was portrayed so authentically. This was an unexpected hit with me as I barreled through this lovely story in a short few days. It has inspired me to watch the movie again (half a century later!) to see how this book marries up with the iconic film version. One of my favorite books of 2024 so far!

Thank you to the publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

Maria is a wonderful inside scoop of the life of Maria von Trapp made famous by the musical and movie “The Sound of Music”.

This novel is told in alternating timelines. Rogers and Hammerstein are in the midst of finishing up the Broadway musical “The Sound of Music”, but the real Maria is not happy with how her husband Georg is portrayed and how some of her real life story is left out of the musical. She attempts to meet with Hammerstein, however, she has to settle with meeting with Fran, one if his assistants. She tells her the real story of the Trapp Family Singers.

I enjoyed this novel and was thoroughly entertained, by the real Maria and the behind-the-scenes story. If you are a fan of the Sound of Music, you will love this book. It was a 5 star read!

A complementary copy was provided by Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My review will be posted on my Goodreads account on 7/2/24.

*****Publishing July 30, 2024*****

This book highlights the backstory of how The Sound of Music became to be. It was a Broadway play before it was produced as a movie. In the production of the musical,
Maria von Trap confronted Hammerstein and company about how unhappy she was with the script. They gave her 3/8 of the profits as they felt it was the right thing to do. She was a fiery woman with a drive. Was she able to get the script changed?

This book alternates between two time periods, the production of The Sound of Music and Maria’s life.

A well written and fascinating read! I loved how the author included in her author’s note more info on her research and What Ever Happened To… Von Trap children! If you grew up watching The Sound of Music, then I highly recommend reading this book!

Thanks to Michelle Moran and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine (Dell), I was provided an ARC of Maria by Michelle Moran via the mail and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars for an excellent reconstruction of the life of Maria von Trapp made famous in The Sound of Music movie and Broadway play. The author read Maria's autobiography and a memoir written by her stepdaughter, Agathe. The author brings out some little known incidents in Maria's life, including her attendance at the opening performance of the play, where she sat in the front row and took a bow at the end of the play. She was initially upset with the way her husband was portrayed in the play, and some other inaccuracies but grew to accept it over time.
One quote from Rupert, Maria's stepson, on an inaccuracy: "The music was fantastic," Rupert agrees. "Even if I did get turned into a swooning sixteen girl."
I strongly recommend this book to fans of the movie/play. Thanks to Megan Whalen at Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for sending this eARC through NetGalley.
#Maria #NetGalley

Maria by Michelle Moran is a story that intrigued me from the start. The Sound of Music has been my favorite movie since childhood. So to read the background on the true character of Maria along with the creation of Rogers and Hammerstein’s stunning masterpiece of her life was a no brainer. As I delved into the pages before me, I could not help but grow in appreciation for Moran’s ability to bring to life the truth behind this beloved story. Moran expertly brought to life the woman of Maria – a woman who was much different from her cinema representation. Yet through the lense of multiple narrators, a tender understanding to this complex woman was reached, heightening the depth of my adoration for this remarkable family and their legacy.

I absolutely loved this story. Moran’s skill in weaving truth and fiction is not to be denied.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Fabulous!!! I had heard that Rodgers and Hammerstein had dressed up the von Trapp story to attract a bigger audience, but I had no idea how much. Would Hammerstein have made Maria's story more true-to-life if he had lived longer? Regardless, this book had me up most of the night. The descriptions, the details, the real story...I couldn't put it down.

Holding the family together, especially after Georg's death, had to be exremely difficult but Maria did what she had to to keep afloat in a new country.

How many times have you seen "The Sound of Music?" The iconic movie has brought joy to millions and launched cosplay singalongs at major venues across the US as well as productions ranging from high school musicals to professional revivals. Michelle Moran takes the story we all think we know and given Maria von Trapp the revision she always craved. And by setting "Maria" at the time Oscar Hammerstein and Richard Rogers were in the process of opening the Broadway production she also offers a tantalizing peek into what it was like to create those huge, delicious musicals that team produced.

In the story, Maria von Trapp comes to New York to correct the script for the "Sound of Music," especially the part where the von Trapps flee Austria over the Alps to safety in Switzerland. She's also concerned about the characterization of her husband as a humorless disciplinarian. Hammerstein sends a member of his staff to meet with Maria and soothe her, not wanting her to make a fuss about the show right before it opens.

Fran is surprised to note that every time she meets Maria to talk, she is surrounded by adoring fans who love the family's records and performances. She's also captured by the real story of Maria and the von Trapps, so much that she's torn about what to tell Hammerstein. She decides to just write it all down and present it to him.

The combination of the von Trapp story we think we know, the real story, the workings of building a Broadway show, and a satisfying dual timeline makes for a tasty read. Maria's character is a treat, as she is the one who drives the family's survival and success. The family always sang, even more once she introduced Bach, early music, and classic Austrian music to their repertoire. And by the way, Maria did make playclothes for the kids out of the the curtains.

Thanks to Random House publishing and NetGalley for a digital review copy of "Maria" in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading a more nuanced version of who the Von traps were. All the additional I formation was fun. However, the voice choice was distracting and made it hard to get through.

My guess would be that most people would say they were enchanted by The Sound of Music and enchanted with Maria von Trapp, the general and all the adorable children. If you are one of those people this book is a must read. You will learn about the difference in the play, movie and the real family. Was Maria really the wonderful woman she was portrayed as. Was the general the strict disciplinarian we think he was? An added bonus in the book is learning more about Oscar Hammerstein and the talented man he was.

Tomorrow’s activity is to watch the movie, it is one I will never tire of.

Michelle Moran wrote a beautiful, heartwarming story. The kind we all need to read, and one difficult to find. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballentine for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more of this authors books.

When I was a kid I took singing lessons for about a year and I still to this day, 40 years later, remember the words to My Favorite Things, Edelweiss, and Do-Re-Mi.

Those long ago lessons guaranteed that I’ve never once watched The Sound of Music. And, growing up right outside of Manhattan I saw a lot of Broadway musicals during class trips in the 80’s. Musicals don’t really do it for me. Thus, I’ve also never had any desire to.

Now, in spite of myself, after receiving an invite to read this I found myself very interested after reading the synopsis. So here we are - I read this story without any expectations, although it did put those long despised songs back in my thoughts and I found this kept me reading regularly (in spite of some heavy topics) and I finished it within a few days.

Ms Moran did a terrific job of portraying Maria as a complex woman, although the other characters aren’t afforded the same level of detail.

Reading this wasn’t the easiest - many of the subject matters are fairly terrible but provided me, as a reader, with a closer view of the trauma of survival and how life situations can change people. The story gave me much to ponder… I still don’t know that I’ll ever watch the movie though.

Reading this also reminded me of how much I enjoy Ms Morgan’s writing and Maria has my recommendation 🙂



Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for the DRC

I first read Michelle Moran's writing when I stumbled upon "The Heretic Queen" a few years ago. I've always been interested in Ancient Egypt and I loved the book. I've read several of her books now and have yet to be disappointed so I was excited to have the opportunity to read Maria. I was not disappointed.

Maria is of course, Maria Von Trapp, heroine of The Sound of Music. This story begins in New York in 1959 as the musical is in rehearsals, preparing for opening in six weeks. A secretary at Oscar Hammerstien's office is sent to meet Maria at the theatre when she surprises them with a visit insisting that the script of the musical is nothing like her real life. Worried about what Maria might say in the press, Fran goes to talk to with her and take notes for Hammerstien about Maria's concerns.

As in all of Moran's novels, the basic facts are true. It is known that Maria Von Trapp wasn't particularly happy with The Sound of Music at first. Her autobiography had been adapted into a German film years earlier and it had been nothing like real life and caused a rift in the family. She was concerned that the musical would serve to make things worse. We learn a lot about Maria in her conversations with Fran (the secretary) and some of it is surprising. Of course there are things that are fictionalized for the book including the character of Fran but it's obvious that Moran had done her research and that she truly loves Maria's story..

If you like The Sound of Music whether it be the musical or the movie, I think you'll enjoy this book. It's beautifully written, believable and a lovely tribute to an amazing woman. PS: Some of the musical theatre cameos will make you smile.

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew. Thank you to Atria books and NetGalley.

Readers who love the Sound of Music will enjoy learning the true story behind the musical. Maria turns out to be quite different than portrayed which is interesting. Knowing her childhood background makes readers aware of the reasoning behind some of her actions and personality traits. Creative liberties are always taken but I could understand Maria wanting to clear up some things. Overall it was an interesting read.

I nice book about a very famous person and her family, Maria Von Trapp and the Family Singers. Well told in a way that moves backward and forward between the 1930’s and the 1950’s. It was interesting to learn the story behind the people even if it’s told in novel form.

This book was a must-read for me as the childhood memories of growing up watching the Sound of Music and hearing the tales of the Von Trapp family floated around me. Reading Maria was like taking a walk through the valleys of my youth. I literally read the book in a few hours. What I didn’t realize was the actual story behind the popular Broadway musical and the movie. I had the story down, but not the proper story about a woman whose life was very different from what the media portrayed. So glad I read this book from start to finish. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the story of Maria Von Trapp and her family. Eye-opening and heartfelt, you will be glad you read it. I want to thank Net Galley for the incredible opportunity to read this free ARC. This review is voluntary and is mine alone.

Maria is a fascinating look into the life of Maria von Trapp and the Trapp Family Singers. I believe most of us know that movies and plays about someone’s life are often exaggerated for suspense or to name it seem more exciting or interesting. This may well be the case with The Sound of Music though their lives were certainly did not lack danger or excitement. I found this story to he intriguing and it held my interest from beginning to end. It was hard to not compare this to The Sound of Music but real life is certainly mot lacking in any way. I believe the author did a wonderful job of creating a story about a family’s life and their experiences of living through dangerous times. I highly recommend thus book.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

It is hard to write a novel based on a beloved movie, but this novel gave me insight into the Von Trapp family as well as Oscar Hammerstein who wrote the musical as he was terminally ill. I was touched to learn that Edelweiss was his final song. The novel relies on a character interacting with an elderly Maria. As Maria retells and corrects the familiar tale, the first half of the novel seems like retelling the Disney movie. There was enough interesting information in the second half to make this a worthwhile read. If you love The Sound of Music you will love this novel.

What a marvelous book this is, as it delves into the real history of Maria Von Trapp and her life and family! I have seen the film countless times. as well as several theater productions based on the film. Never did I realize what a complex woman Maria was, and everything she experienced and survived in her life. She was raised in the home of an abusive uncle, something not apparent in the movie/play. She did find refuge at the Abbey. but had a bit of trouble conforming to the quiet, prayerful life. Sent to be a governess of seven children in the home of Captain Von Trapp, she grew to love the children. Michelle Moran has written a well-researched, totally captivating historical fiction, based on Maria's memoir and other sources. The chapters alternate between the actual history of Maria's life, and her interaction with Hammerstein and his staff. The author created a wonderful fictional character, Fran, as an assistant to Mr. Hammerstein to represent those who worked with Maria to delve into her history and gain her approval of the fictionalized story of her life that became The Sound of Music. This book reveals the real Maria, a courageous, determined and sometimes flawed woman who was so much more than anyone ever realized. The author's notes at the end are a must-read part of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and meeting the real Maria through the eyes of the author. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of the book. The opinions of this review are my own.