Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran

 The master storyteller, Michelle Moran, makes a phenomenal come back with a surprising story of Maria von Trapp who was glamorized in The Sound of Music. However, this story gives stage to Maria who tells her side of the story; a woman who was larger than life, who knew what she wanted and went after it.

The story begins with Maria already in NYC in the 1950s confronting Oscar Hammerstein about the lyrics he wrote for a musical based on her life. As Maria expresses her concerns to Oscar’s secretary, she reveals her true story, more complicated and compelling than the glamorized version.

The story goes back to 1926 Salzburg, Austria, where the nineteen year old Maria is a teacher at convent. When this place becomes her home and children like her family, after two years, she is asked to take an assignment. It doesn’t make her happy to leave this homelike feeling place. Something she craved to have from her childhood. But she is promised it’s only for ten months.

When the war hero who loses his wife to scarlet fever asks for a teacher for his seven children, Maria is recognized as the best teacher. Thus, she is asked to take this assignment. The thought of taking orders from a man makes Maria shiver. And she drifts to her childhood story revealing why.

As the story moves backwards, it reveals the traumatic childhood. With each page, the dimensions are breathed into the rebellious character who seeks warmth and family atmosphere. The progressing pages reveal more, that despite Maria’s challenging childhood, her spirit remains joyful as she likes to skip steps, climb the roofs and hop over the chimneys, and tickle people to make them laugh. All that seen as improper at the convent but what makes Maria stand out is her ability to sing and teach children the most songs.

At the von Trapp family’s villa, Maria’s spirit continues to shine despite strict rules of aristocratic traits. She uses a curtain to create dresses for children to play in, something comfortable. They hike when it shines, and sing inside when it rains. Within the short time, not only children get attached to her but also the father. The expected ten months turn into unexpected lifetime with the von Trapp but the happy lives are challenged by financial downfall, war, and exodus. 

As it often happens, in hard times, the soulful music becomes balm. That’s how the family faces challenges with music at home, which takes them to an appearance at the music festival, which further sparks the interest of others and gives start to their tours and the legendary movie.

This is a deeply touching story of a remarkable woman who despite life’s challenges remains joyful and kind. Her youthful spirit is contagious which can be felt throughout the pages. With simple prose, this story takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and remarkable spirit.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com 

Released in July 2027

Source: Penguin Random House