Book Review: Maria von Trapp and Her Musical Family by Cheri Blomquist

“Anger will accomplish nothing, son,” he said. “It will eat us alive if we let it.”

Cheri Blomquist, Maria von Trapp and Her Musical Family

Review:

Earlier this year, I read Maria by Michelle Moran and loved it so much. I felt starved for more of the Von Trapp Family. I particularly wanted to read more about their time in America. I’d purchased this book a couple of years ago and had forgotten about it until I read Maria. This book covered a lot of the same moments, but also more. 

The book follows the Von Trapp Family, starting with Maria’s childhood days through to later in her life in America. While it’s mainly focused on Maria’s perspective, there are also a number of chapters that lean more toward Georg’s perspective, especially in the earlier chapters. 

As this book is geared toward younger readers, almost everything is kept on the surface with a bigger focus on faith and spirituality. I appreciated this, as the religious elements of the Von Trapp’s lives are frequently watered down to appeal to a more secular audience (which is a cross between funny and frustrating to me, given Maria was nearly a nun and faith was at the center of their lives and career). However, I do wish there had been more historical context included (particularly World War II). The age group that would be reading this book can certainly handle it. 

I’m a bit sad now that I’ve run out of Von Trapp fiction! I’ll cherish this reading experience because I started the book during an overnight trip to the Von Trapp Family Lodge. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The focus on the Von Trapp Family’s faith.
• More about their time in America.

What I didn’t like:

• The historical events felt watered down.

Afterthoughts:

It was fun to revisit the Vision Series! I used to enjoy these books when I was younger. When I came across this one, I was glad they were still being written.

Where to buy the book: