Before she became a legend, Maria von Trapp was simply Maria — practical, passionate, and deeply human. In this episode, we trace the transformation of her story across fiction, memoir, and film.

We begin with Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran, a fictional account that fills in the silences. Then we turn to The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, Maria’s own memoir — a voice both earnest and exacting. Finally, we dive into The Sound of Music: The Making of America's Favorite Movie, where Hollywood memory takes center stage.

What do we lose when stories become symbols? What remains when the spotlight fades?

This is not a retelling — it’s a re-seeing.