The Sound of Music is an uplifting and heart-warming story. It follows the story of Maria Von Trapp, as she falls in love with a man and his many children, and they escape from Nazi-invaded Austria to America, where they try to make a career as a group of family singers. I enjoyed watching them learn that being poor is not always bad if you have family around to support you. Maria was my favorite character, she was a strong and brave woman, who faced hurt and misfortune but continued to power on. I saw the movie long before I read the book, and was shocked at how different it was. Georg Von Trapp was not a disapproving and strict father as he was in the movie. He was kind and gentle, and he loved his children and music. Maria marries Georg very early on in the book, and the family fleeing Austria is not one of the major plot points like it is in the movie. The movie ignored the Von Trapp family’s adventures in America, trying to earn money as singers and having to make friends as refugees in need of help. I was touched seeing the kindness of others towards the Von Trapp family; many people helped them out and helped them get back on their feet. The book taught me a very valuable lesson – you do not need money to be rich.
Whilst I loved all of the characters, of course I found it hard to relate to them. They experienced life threatening situations and hardships, and I felt inspired by their perseverance. However, at times during the book, I did feel I could relate to how they felt. I understood how they felt during hardships, and could relate to the ways they continued on, showing resilience. Their strong friendships with others reminded me of my own, and their adventures reminded me of my life – I have idea where or how I am going to end up; I just have to make the best of any situation.
I really loved the book for many reasons. My favourite part was seeing Maria fall in love with Georg and the children - it was lovely to see the relationships they built. From the children being hesitant and unsure of Maria, to seeing Maria as their mother was heart-warming. Georg calling on Maria to look after his children, only for them to fall in love and marry was beautiful. I loved how close knit they were as a family – always looking out for each other and caring for one another. My least favorite part of the book was when Maria arrived in America, only to be detained and held in a cell. In that moment, I was worried and fearful of the fate of the Von Trapp family. I was scared they would be sent back to Austria, or they would be split up. Luckily, Maria was released, and the family lived happily in America.
I would not change a thing about this book – it was heart-warming and inspiring. It made me feel grateful of the life I live today, and it made me feel thankful of my circumstances. This book opened my eyes to the reality that many refugees face today, and it made me want to go out into the world and create change. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an open mind and open heart – this book can really change your life. I am lucky to have read it, and I hope others will give it a chance and read it too.