Definitely an interesting read, I learned a lot about the Von Trapps and it makes me wish the Sound of Music was a bit more accurate. The fiction aspect was a little eh but cute too.

It was amazing reading this book
5 STARS
Just loved it so much
The sound of music is one of my favorite movies and story ever and I was just caught up in the moment <3

"Maria: A Novel of Maria Von Trapp" by Michelle Moran is a captivating reimagining of the life of the famous matriarch from "The Sound of Music." Moran, known for her meticulously researched historical novels, delves into Maria's journey with a fresh perspective, bringing depth and nuance to the well-known story.

The novel paints a vivid picture of Maria's early life, her struggles, and her eventual role as the governess and later stepmother to the Von Trapp children. Moran's writing is both lyrical and engaging, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in Maria's triumphs and tribulations. The historical context is rich and well-woven into the narrative, offering a detailed backdrop of the turbulent times during which Maria lived.

One of the standout features of Moran's portrayal is the complexity she brings to Maria's character. Rather than a simplistic portrayal of a singing governess, Moran's Maria is a woman of great strength, compassion, and resilience. Her internal conflicts and growth are depicted with great empathy, making her journey all the more compelling.

Fans of historical fiction and those with a fondness for the original Von Trapp story will find "Maria: A Novel of Maria Von Trapp" a delightful and enriching read. Moran succeeds in breathing new life into a beloved figure, ensuring that Maria's story continues to inspire and captivate a new generation of readers.

This was a great read. I thought it was interesting to read more about Maria von Trapp's life and how different it was from The Sound of Music. I found both parts of the book (Maria's life and the making of the musical) equally interesting, which is rare in a novel. I've only watched The Sound of Music once as a child, so you don't need to be a big fan to like this novel.

When I hear "The Sound of Music," I immediately remember the movie with Julie Andrews. I didn't know it was a Broadway show before being filmed, and I also never thought about the fact that it was released within twenty years of the events depicted in the show. It makes sense that the actual Maria von Trapp would have had feedback on how the story of her life was being played out on stage.

The novel opens with Fran, an assistant for Oscar Hammerstein, taking a call from a frantic theater director. It seems Maria von Trapp is causing problems on set because she's unhappy with the play's script. Fran is sent to listen and pacify. Instead, Fran becomes wrapped up in Maria's telling of the actual story of her life.

I read this book in two days because I was so engaged. I loved reading "the story behind the story" and comparing the actual events to what was presented on stage and screen. Maria's actual life was far more fascinating than the time constraints of the professional productions could allow. The story also does not have the happy glow of the film. Maria was a complicated person, marked by childhood trauma. This novel is an absorbing look into the untold story of the von Trapps after they left Austria. Highly Recommend!

I grew up watching classic musicals, and The Sound of Music has always been a favorite. So I was excited to read a book based on that musical's creation and Maria von Trapp's life. I knew the musical wasn't completely accurate, but I didn't know the specifics.

This novel allows us to meet the real Maria—warts and all. I appreciated that she took us back to her childhood so we could understand how Maria ended up at the convent and why her marriage and life with the von Trapps were more complicated than the musical would lead us to believe.

What I loved about the story was its honesty. It didn't hold back and try to make Maria as perfect as Julie Andrews' portrayal but gave us a chance to peek behind the veil and see the real woman. She was very enthusiastic and often so caught up in the idea of their fame that she didn't consider what everyone else wanted. She loved music and singing, and I think she just assumed that because the rest of them could sing, they loved it just as much. I liked that she continued the story of their lives beyond escaping Austria.

I also really enjoyed the parts set in 1959 as the musical is a few weeks from opening - meeting Oscar Hammerstein and seeing how everything came together.

Overall, I had a great time reading this book. If you love The Sound of Music, you will enjoy this novel!

Having recently seen a good local production of "The Sound of Music", this book caught my eye. I had tried to read Maria Von Trapp's autobiography but lost interest. This historical novel is a well-written account of the true story of the Von Trapp family singers, particularly after they left their home. The end notes of what became of them all adds to the story.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing House-Ballantine for my copy of Maria by Michelle Moran in exchange for an honest review. It publishes July 30, 2024.
Wow! I just finished this book, and I wish I could read it all over again. I sincerely loved this book. I felt like Moran did such a great job respectfully portraying the Von Trapp family. I learned so much about them! Also, this book is extremely readable and extremely well-written. I also really enjoyed learning about about Rogers and Hammerstein. I highly, highly recommend this one!

I was given the opportunity by Random House, NetGalley and the author to read an ARC of this book!

This is a beautifully written historical fiction around Maria Von Trapp, whom the musical The Sound of Music is based on. Maria was set to be a nun but became a Baroness to the Von Trapp family. This novel depicts the complexity of her life during the war and also their escape to freedom.

I have a newfound appreciation for Maria as she was not supportive of Hammersteins version and advocated for herself personally for the complexities and harsh realities of life during that time to be depicted.

A great read that’s of a different pace and topic than I usually go towards however I really enjoyed this novel!

What a beautiful and well written story about Maria and the von Trapp Family in Maria by Michelle Moran. While most of these events told in the Maria are true there is some fictional characters along the way. I enjoyed reading about the von Trapp story even though there are parts that were not enjoyable for example Maria’s past as a child. But those are true life experiences to her life story. The Sound of Music did a wonderful job summing up the family story. As it is mentioned there are details were changed to summarize their story. Not all life events or timeline can be introduced in a 2.5 hour musical. Reading the missing timelines from the musical was very intriguing and informative. I give props to the author for her research in the von Trapp family and their legacy.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House, and Michelle Moran for an eARC copy Maria.

I hate not finishing a book but alas I have no choice. Too many other book I know I will enjoy reading rather struggle through

"Maria von Trapp. You know the name and the iconic songs, but do you know her real story? This dramatic novel, based on the woman glamorized in The Sound of Music, brings Maria to life as never before.

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 instructed them on how to survive using nothing but the power of their voices.

It's an inspirational story, to be sure, and as half of the famous Rodgers and Hammerstein duo, Hammerstein knows it has big Broadway potential. Yet much of Maria's life will have to be reinvented for the stage, and with the horrors of war still fresh in people's minds, Hammerstein can't let audiences see just how close the von Trapps came to losing their lives.

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.

A tale of love, loss, and the difficult choices that we are often forced to make, Maria is a powerful reminder that the truth is usually more complicated - and certainly more compelling - than the stories immortalized by Hollywood."

While I've never been a fan of The Sound of Music due to an unfortunate incident of Chickenpox I am a big fan of Michelle Moran and can't wait to learn more about Maria von Trapp!

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.