Maria by Michelle Moran


If you have ever seen the Sound of Music you HAVE to read this book! As a young girl I watched the Sound of Music many times, so when I saw this book was coming out and it was by one of my favorite historical fiction writers I had to read it.  It was everything I hoped for and more.  I learned so much about the von Trapp family and about Maria's life.  I cried when I read about the difficult upbringing Maria faced and her desire to have a stable home.  Their life in Austria and the struggles Maria faced in becoming a step mother to so many children was nothing I had really thought about when watching the musical.  I had no idea just how much the war had impacted their family or how difficult their real life may have been. The story was fascinating and I devoured it all.  


The book also features Fran who is tasked with hearing about Maria's story so Maria doesn't create waves when the musical premieres.  I enjoyed reading about her story and her interactions with Hammerstein.  The book includes an Author's Note which I always love in historical fiction so that the reader knows what is real and not.  It also let the reader know what happened to all of the children which I appreciated.  This book is a MUST READ!  I loved it and I really think anyone who has ever watched the Sound of Music will find it just as fascinating as I did.  


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