4.5 stars-

MARIA by Michelle Moran exceeded my expectations!! In this retelling Moran used Maria Von Trapp’s autobiographies to brings together a novel of what might have happened if she confronted Oscar Hammerstein on the misrepresentations of her and her family within his musical.

I admittedly haven’t seen SOUND OF MUSIC since I was much younger and I didn’t remember most of it - but I loved this novel for what it was. I enjoyed hearing Maria tell her story and appreciated the respect she had for the baron’s children during a time when most people believed children should be seen and not heard. It was fun to follow Hammerstein’s secretary, Fran’s individual journey through this as well as she meets up with Maria to hear her side of the story.

I typically read fantasy smut so this was definitely not a typical read for me - which is part of why I was shocked that I enjoyed it so much. I think I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting book to read. I believe that SOUND OF MUSIC fanatics might have more criticism for this depending on what their familiar and thoughts are, but as a whole this was a delightful read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!

Maria von Trapp shares stories about her childhood and what actually happened when she went to teach one
of the von Trapp children. She reveals that her family was on the last train to leave Austria before the borders
were closed and the life they endured while touring to sing in various locations. Maria's childhood impacted the way she raised the children which left them with little freedom. Enjoyed learning about the lives of those portrayed in The Sound Of Music.
#Maria #Random House #Ballantine #NetGalley

The hills are alive with the 'Sound of Music.' Michelle Moran pens Maria's story revealing the woman behind the musical While the movie and Broadway musical are feel-good entertainment, the Van Trapp family had their share of heartbreak. Facing abuse as a young child, Maria was paralyzed by fear of everything being taken away from her and that caused her disciplinary behavior.

Successful in saving the family, I was saddened to learn that the lighthearted charactered portrayed by Julie Andrews or her predecessor, Mary Martin was a work of fiction. The real Maria was flawed and fierce in her devotion. She was committed to God and keeping her family together. Learning that the children drifted from the Lodge after Georg's death was devastating. While Maria's autobiography differed from the Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, 'I Have Confidence' that 'There Was Something' Good that weaved together the play and plot.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #Maria in exchange for an honest review. Historical fiction provides behind-the-scenes accounts of famous people and places. For a brief stay, I checked in to Austria and toured Europe. I was a fly on the wall in Hammerstein's office and meeting with Fran, Maria and Lorli. Closing the final chapter, I let the story sing once more.

I do believe this is my favorite book of 2024, so far. I was intrigued from the get go. I had always read that Maria gave the powers that be trouble with the script for The Sound of Music, but I did not know why. I think Ms. Moran has written a lovely book about love, faith, a big hit musical and family troubled in more ways than we knew about.

I hate to spoil anything because this book is jam packed of events, right from the get go. The story alternates between Maria discussing her real life story with one of Richard Rodger’s assistants and her life with Georg and the children. She loved the children instantly and it is so evident. Oh, I almost forgot, don’t be married to the characters in the stage show/film, some of those people never existed in real life and some of them had complete personality changes when it came to what would be shown to the public.

I am telling everyone I know to preorder this one, it is well worth your time, my only complaint was that I devoured too quickly. I do plan on re reading.

I initially didn't think I wanted to read this book because I'd seen the Sound of Music and didn't think there would be anything new. But this book was a fresh take on the life of Maria von Trapp. I really enjoyed it. It was well-placed and early held my interest throughout. It was a bittersweet story but one that I was glad I read.

Like many people, I grew up with The Sound of Music and so was immediately drawn to this book. I am so glad to have learned more about Maria, what her life was like, who she really was. There are many sad parts to her story & her children’s story, but so much to learn and grown from too.
The story is told from two points of view… Maria & then an assistant to Hammerstein, Fran. While I didn’t feel as drawn to Fran’s story and felt parts were rushed, I still felt for her and was interested to see where her storyline was going to go.
The book is well-written, pacing is great, characters are well rounded and the information/research is fantastic.
I loved this book

this is a story that I was amazed with. So different from the Sound of Music "Maria". It made me sad that my image of her is forever changed. It is amazing that the children returned in the end. How could she go from being a Nun to a pushy and unfeeling stepmother. I felt very sorry for her youngest daughter.

I grew up watching The Sound of Music with my Mom. This book brought back all of those great memories and it was so fun to learn more about Maria.

If you grew up loving the The Sound of Music and everything about the Von Trapp Family this book is for you. As a child, there was always something magical about this family. I know the movie by heart, I have seen the show on Broadway, and this past year I finally made it to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. This book was a wonderful addition to my understanding of the Trapp Family and their complicated story.

This book is set in the 1950's as Rogers and Hammerstein are about to open The Sound of Music on Broadway. Maria Von Trapp has contacted their office and wants to set the record straight on some of the "facts" that were presented in a previous dramatization of their story. Fran, an assistant to Oscar Hammerstein, is tasked with meeting Maria. Through their conversations we are brought back to Maria's childhood and are granted a better understanding of her upbringing, her time as the Von Trapp family's nanny, their rise to fame as a family of singers, and ultimately their escape from Austria.

I absolutely adored this book and could not wait to get home every night to read more. The writing is easy breezy to fall in love with and I really appreciated a better understanding of Maria. She was a headstrong and fierce woman who made mistakes, but, ultimately, only wanted the best for her family. If you are a fan of The Sound of Music this is a must read!

Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran is a great historical fiction that delves into the real story of the family within the famous movie The Sound of Music.

I have always loved this movie, and for those that are huge fans, this book is for you.

I really liked how the author was able to present the truth and what really happened vs fiction and legend that has been created concerning this family and the infamous movie and characters that were created. I have been shying away from any historical fiction that has more than one timeline due to burnout, however this method definitely works and I am glad I looked over my initial hesitation.

The pacing, the presentation, and the things I learned while reading this gem made for a wonderful time.

Highly recommend.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/30/24.

I was thrilled to receive the ARC of this book from NetGalley!!! I am a lover of all musicals, Rodgers and Hammerstein.

The novel Maria is historical fiction that fans of The Sound of Music will thoroughly enjoy!!

The Sound of Music was an albeit necessary yet still overly optimistic view through “rose colored glasses” of a time set leading up to World War II. In true Broadway style the portrayal of the story had to show a more softened view of some of the hard truths, making them more palatable to all viewers. The weakened portrayal of hardship caused by the pending war, Hitler, and Natzism in the Austrian region and its effects on the Von Trapp family was because of that necessary adaptation. As we all know result was still an awe inspiring musical. How awesome it is to potentially see behind the curtain!!!

Although this story is fiction, the book seems to delve into the portrayal of the true to life trauma behind the musical and it shows the necessity in making the true story more agreeable to audiences of the musical. For the record I loved getting to know Oscar. ♥️

A beautifully well written story. One thing, I did feel the relationship between Fran and Peter was a bit rushed and needs to build the story a tad more but overall I really loved this book. Maybe that will happen before the final release.

Interesting fictional account. I liked it but didn't love it. As a long-time (over 45 years long!) fan of this story, it didn't provide much new for me. I've read all of Maria von Trapp's writings, and this cannot compare to the real thing.
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

All I can say is Wow!!
The book is even better than the movie!
That's saying a lot since I love The Sound of Music too.
The author has done an amazing job in her research.
I felt like I got to know them better too.
Especially Maria. Maria is an amazing woman. In a way I really admired her for her bravery and determination to get through what life threw at her.
I couldn't put this book down until it was finished. Such a good book too.
I didn't want the book to end.
This book will make you want to hug Maria and cry too.
She will make you think about your own life and how to make different choices, changes and yes maybe even love and a family.
I'm giving this novel 5 stars for a well written book. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Maria is a historical fiction of how real life is messy. It’s not quite the tale of sunshine and rainbows, hope and adversity, that The Sound of Music portrays. It’s understandable that the musical/movie desired to make life seem rosy in a post WW2 era. But it’s incredible to read what truly transpired, and how much less sweet it was.

This book is an emotional read. Real life is emotional. Late 1930s Austria was emotional. The afterward describing how realistic this book is with notes of what happened to everyone made me tear up. I even had a nightmare inspired by this book. This isn’t my normal style of read and I was a little slow with it, but I’m so glad I read it.

If you loved The Sound of Music, I highly recommend this book. It gives you the more real version of events that transpired before, during, and after the time period in the book. You get to see what Maria’s childhood was like, her “love” story, their terrifying escape from Nazi Germany, their immigration to America, 1950s Broadway, Hammerstein’s office environment, what went into producing the musical, and a depiction of Oscar Hammerstein’s last days. Edelweiss being his last song written, and him never seeing the stardom of the movie broke me. Plus Maria’s bow was beautifully sweet.

The level of detail Michelle Moran put into writing this book is incredible. She visited Austria and places Maria truly went. She talked with people who had met the Von Trapps. She read many autobiographies/memoirs from Maria, her children, and even staff from Hammerstein’s office. I commend her on this.

I really enjoyed this fictional account of the von Trapp family, which portrayed a more complex Maria and a more correct version of their lives, especially the harrowing escape from the Nazis. I found it very uplifting, although shocked at how the stage/movie version was not factual in so many ways.

I received an ARC of Maria from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I very much enjoyed this book. I have loved The Sound of Music my whole life. I had never read anything about Maria or her husband and stepchildren. I was surprised to realize the ages, sexes, and names of the actual Von Trapp children is different than the movie. Additionally, Maria became their governess in the late 1920s, so was with them for more than a decade before the war began. Maria is somewhat unlikable, but it seems that's who she really was. I knew nothing of her traumatic childhood, which explains some of her "quirks." Overall, the book is fairly well written and a short (225 pages), easy read.

If you loved the movies, plays or books about the Sound of Music/von Trapp family, you definitely want to add this book to your TBR list. It’s a quick read, I couldn’t put it down.

The story gives a little different perspective with insight into who Maria and her husband were, and their life together and as a family. It was refreshing to hear Maria was not the saint Roger’s and Hammerstein painted her to be.

I learned a bit about Hammerstein as well, I didn’t realize all he had accomplished in his short life, nor had I ever learned about his death and what a loss it was for humanity. A musical genius creating beautiful, ever lasting musical pieces.

The author has us look deeper into the families singing career and how deeply it affected the children. Rosemary being affected the most, exhibiting duress into adulthood from the pressure and schedules, not to mention she didn’t want to sing at all. The family ends up fractured with not such a happy ending as one might think. Then of course the reason they started touring to begin with, to escape the Nazi invasion. There are some changes and enlightenment there as well.

When the family sold the rights to their story, they lost control over the story portrayal and accuracy. Liberties were taken to alter the story to sell seats. There are corrections in this book, for example the sex portrayed of one child was incorrect, as were some of the add in characters.

The book is based on Maria’s repeated attempts to meet with Hammerstein to correct inaccuracies in her families biography. Maria especially wanted clarification regarding the portrayal of Georg. Portrayed as strict and rigid, he was actually loving, kind and fun. As she meets with Hammerstein’s assistant, the story unfolds as we know it, but we learn many fascinating facts that were not originally presented.

Great read. Highly recommend.

I was intrigued to learn more about the life of Maria von Trapp, but by the end I felt like I was left needing more detail. It almost read too fast for a historical fiction, and I left feeling weird that it’s a fictionalized novel about a woman who didn’t like the fictionalized version of the musical of her life (which she eventually came around to). However, I never wanted to stop reading because I was hooked, despite wanting more.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Sound of Music is an iconic film. Everyone believes they understand the von Trapp family and their heroism through this exposure. How much of the story is true and how much is not? In Maria by Michelle Moran, we explore the story behind the story. As with any story, some events are romanticized.

Maria von Trapp has learned the team of Rogers and Hammerstein plan to premiere a play based upon the family and its escape from Nazi Germany. She is concerned that many events may either be misrepresented or misunderstood. She desires to convince the writers to change any discrepancies. Hammerstein is busy finishing the play and does not want to deal with Maria. Fran Connelly, Hammerstein's assistant, will represent him and meet with Mrs. von Trapp. Fran is suspicious of Maria's intentions initially. After meeting Maria and listening, Fran soon understands Maria's desire to present their lives accurately. Will Fran be able to convey Maria's wishes to Hammerstein?

I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the von Trapps and their journey to America. Michelle Moran tells this story in a balanced manner, never becoming overly sentimental. Maria has her foibles as well as her attributes. Understanding what the family did endure as their beloved Austria fell to the Nazis provides readers with a greater appreciation of the family's challenges. After the story ends, Moran thoughtfully includes a brief update on each von Trapp family member, concluding the family's saga. As with her other books, Michelle Moran brings a vibrant understanding of historical events and the people that inhabit them.

I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book. Thank you Megan Whalen, Random House Publishing Group, Michelle Moran, and NetGalley.

This book was excellent! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book, as everyone enjoys the Sound of Music. I would consider this an excellent “light read” of the life of The Von Trap family. It seems their lives were challenging I felt the author wrote their lives with much levity instead of adequately articulating their hardships. I’m going to overlook that, and just say it was a fantastic book.