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.

Are you a fan of The Sound of Music? I have been a huge fan since childhood! I've also had the distinct honor of visiting Maria Von Trapp's grave in Stowe, Vermont. That being said, it was so interesting to read this dual timeline fictional account of Maria Von Trapp's life and how it differs from the account portrayed in the musical by Rogers and Hammerstein and Oscar winning movie. Fans will definitely want to pick this one up when it is released on July 30, 2024.

Fan of The Sound of Music will LOVE this book! As a lifelong lover of this movie, I loved the details Moran was able to shine light on in this novel. I've never read either if Maria's autobiographies, but now I may have to! Learning more about the actual timeline this family lived was very interesting. Also I like the details given about what happened to the family after they left Austria. I knew some from a few articles I read over the years, but there was plenty I still had never heard before.

I loved the writing style and the alternate timelines of Maria's POV and Fran helping appease her before the musical premiers. Both were interesting and I never minded the switch. I loved the inclusion of Edelweiss and it being Hammerstein's last composition.

Truly loved this novel and will have to go digging into Michelle Moran's backlist! Have already earmarked this as a gift for a few of my fellow musical loving friends.

Thank you NetGalley, Michelle Moran and Random House - Ballantine for the chance to reach an early copy.

4.5 stars

Fascinating story of Maria von Trapp, whose life was showcased in the musical/movie Sound of Music. I struggled a bit at the beginning of this book. It's told in dual timelines. In 1959, as Rodgers and Hammerstein were writing the Broadway musical, Maria von Trapp was unhappy with the portrayal of her story. Fran, an employee of Oscar Hammerstein, is tasked with meeting with Maria to get her side of the story. So, the book alternates between 1959, and the earlier years of Maria's life. A little confusing at first. Ultimately, I was swept up in the story and couldn't put it down. Then, I watched The Sound of Music on Disney+ to compare the musical's portrayal of the von Trapp family with what I'd read in this book! I had a whole new appreciation of their story!

Thank you so much to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in return for an honest review.

I had not watched The Sound of Music before reading this book. My only knowledge was the "Hills Are Alive" clips that I sometimes hear on social media. I understood the premise but didn't know much of the details. I really enjoyed Maria. I did not know TSOM was a true story. I loved that Maria's character was fighting for accuracy with Rogers and Hammerstein. The historical piece woven in the novel was captivating. I ended up watching The Sound of Music after finishing and really enjoyed the movie. It added to the book, for sure, but the book is easily enjoyable without the movie!

I usually start my reviews of ARC's by thanking the ones who gifted it to me. I promise to get to that eventually, but I'm so excited about this book that I have to get my thoughts out first.

I've loved The Sound of Music since the first time I saw it when I was 8. The story. The music. All of it. It had family, love, courage, survival, and hope. It's been one of my favorites ever since. That being said, I didn't know too much about the actual von Trapp family beyond that it was based on a true story.

Maria is listed as "historical fiction", but is based in many truths. I really enjoyed hearing about Maria's childhood and was shocked at how traumatic it was at times. I also enjoyed seeing a different side of the Captain. Apparently the stoic and no nonsense man of the movie was far from the truth. While an accomplished military man, he was known to be very gentle and kind to his children. He also loved music, which himself and his two great loves helped pass on to their ten children.

The alternating chapters between Maria's past and the "present" (late 1950s) was something I enjoyed, as well. As a huge fan of Mr. Hammerstein's work, I loved getting to see him as an actual character. I found the fictional character of Fran to be a great mediator between all the other characters and loved her determination to be true to herself (as a woman and to her writing).

This was such a feel good book and I would recommend it not only to any von Trapp fans (or fans of the musical/movie), but to any historical fiction fans as well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing-Ballantine for the ARC of Maria. I truly enjoyed it so very much.

4⭐️

#Maria #NetGally

When I saw this book up for an ARC I have never clicked so fast. I have known for a long time that The Sound of Music took many liberties when telling Maria von Trapp's story. My mom had read her autobiography and would tell me things whenever the movie came on. I read her autobiography two years ago and found it fascinating. This novel was just what my Sound of Music loving heart has wanted for a long time. This novel is so much closer to Maria's real life than the movie. This book starts out when Oscar Hammerstein was creating the play. It was a play before a movie. We are in 1959 and Maria von Trapp wants to meet with Hammerstein because she does not like the script and she has some things to say about it. In this book, Hammerstein has his secretary meet with Maria and take notes, even though the play is already in rehearsals. He is worried Maria might make bad press if they cannot get her to see their side of things. So Maria tells her life story to Fran and that is how we get the real story. I did not know much about Maria's childhood so the song Something Good now has a much different meaning to me. She was an orphan and her Uncle was extremely mean to her as her guardian. I teared up when the family had to leave Austria. I just loved the book so much! I started it yesterday and finished it today! I will definitely buy a copy to go on my shelf. I had not read this author before but I do own another of her books so that one will move up on my TBR.

-"Everyone comes away from their childhood with wounds, some deeper than others."

-"How can they do this?" I cry. But that's the thing about war and invasions. The enemy can do whatever they wish.

-"It's the hardest part about being human. Accepting that even the best things will have an end."

Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp

The Sound of Music has been a nostalgic, favorite movie of mine my entire life; one that I’ve watched dozens of times. Having never read Maria von Trapp’s memoir published in 2001, I began this novel by Michelle Moran with only The Sound of Music film for previous knowledge.

Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp is set in 1950’s New York as Rodgers & Hammerstein are busy creating a broadway version of a German film based on an Austrian family that would become known as “The Sound of Music”. The story is told from the perspective of Hammerstein’s assistant, Fran.

When Maria von Trapp learns about the production of the US musical and reads the script sent to her, she travels to New York to confront Rodgers & Hammerstein about the German film’s inaccuracies with hopes of changing the script for the musical before its premiere show. Instead of speaking with them directly, Maria finds herself meeting with Fran. The novel bounces back and forth between snippets of Fran’s daily life and romantic interests and her retelling of Maria von Trapp’s true memories that she shares during their meetings.

I thought this novel was really interesting, and allowed me to learn more truth about a family that inspired a story I’ve loved since childhood. As an adult now, I can see with clear eyes the ups and downs of Maria and the von Trapp family’s true life experiences. I thought this fictional story was a creative way to share more about the true von Trapp family and felt like it was possible to hold love for the musical that Rodgers & Hammerstein created as well as empathy for the real life family experiences (both good and difficult). I definitely recommend this story for anyone who is a Sound of Music fan!

This is one of those books that I wanted it to go on and on!
It’s a touching and poignant look at Maria von Trapp and her issues with the play depicting her family’s story.
I read her memoir back in 1988 and have it somewhere but I’d forgotten many of the details of her story which Moran richly recreates.
I was taken back at her unyielding attitude toward one of the children and the estrangement by the time the play and movie came out.
I found myself reading certain parts between the Captain and Maria over and over. When he said he would take her forever I almost cried because it was so tender and affectionate and Maria was very slow on the uptake.
I loved Plummer’s brilliant portrayal of Georg von Trapp in the movie, but Moran does an excellent job of bringing out the true personality of the Captain which I found captivating. I had to look up pictures of him and he was a dreamboat!
I have so many fond memories of the movie because every year my mom and I watched it when it came on tv. My mom was also planning on becoming a nun but life had other plans for her, so I connected with the book on many different levels.