Maria Audiobook By Michelle Moran cover art

Maria

A Novel of Maria von Trapp

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Maria

By: Michelle Moran
Narrated by: Eileen Stevens, Natasha Soudek
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Buy for $18.00

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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. Historical Fiction 20th Century Biographical Fiction Women's Fiction Genre Fiction Feel-Good
Historical Accuracy • Captivating Narrative • Fascinating Revelations • Compelling Storyline • Authentic German Accent

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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!

Lovely tribute to Maria

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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

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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.

The story behind the Sound of Music

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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!

Lots of revelations

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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!!!!

Love love love

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