Maria

A Novel of Maria von Trapp

De: Michelle Moran

Narrado por: Eileen Stevens, Natasha Soudek

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • 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.

“As immersive, heartbreaking, and ultimately redemptive as the musical . . . This one is not to be missed.”—Allison Pataki, author of Finding Margaret Fuller

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 & 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.

Lovely tribute to Maria

I really enjoyed learning more about Maria but I especially loved learning more about Hammerstein! Great historical account and just the right amount of fiction with Fran’s story intertwined. Great 1st read of 2025!

The story

I really enjoyed this book and I was always captivated by The Sound of Music and it was interesting hearing through a different view point..

The story behind the Sound of Music

This work provides a unique insight into the lives of the Von Trapp family. It is especially interesting in the details about the Von Trapps after they left their home.

Lots of revelations

Just really, really liked the story. Narration was great. Don’t want to give any spoilers, but (surprise!) her life was not like the movie!

Love love love

M Maria: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Maria von Trapp…this novel is based on the REAL Maria👗….. this is historical FICTION 📖 If you enjoyed watching The Sound of Music movie 🍿 you will enjoy this 💗💗💗LOVED‼️don’t forget to read the author’s notes!!!!

LOVED!

If you love The Sound of Music, you will gobble up this historical novel based on Maria’s life. The narrators are wonderful- I especially appreciated the authentic German accent. The author’s notes at the end are also fascinating.

Love the movie. Love the truth

Reality is rarely as magical as movies portray but still a story of faith and overcoming difficulties.

How well written it was. Weaving the accurate story through the imagined story of a young writer.

It stayed interesting through every chapter. Each chapter ended with a cliffhanger, and each character was so well-developed.

The different story line

I liked it all. Thanks so much to the author and dynamic narrators. I will love this story forever.

Truths revealed.

Loved learning the facts and fiction behind a classic play and movie. A must listen for all Sound of Music fans!