Memories Before and After the Sound of Music – Book Review
Agathe von Trapp, born in 1913, is the eldest daughter of Baron Georg von Trapp. Agathe, her brothers and parents formed the famous Trapp Family Singers, which inspired the popular film The Sound Of Music, with which the producers had creative license. After reading Agathe’s memoir, Memories Before And After The Sound Of Music, interest in Maria’s books is likely to increase once again.
When I took on this project, I reminded my husband of the bonding moments I had with my mother because of the film; He went out and quickly rented the DVD from our local store. I think it’s wonderful that the movie has survived all these years and can still be found on movie rental shelves. Memories Before And After The Sound Of Music is likely to experience similar success, simply because of how dear the family story has been to the masses.
The book is written as a non-fiction account of Agathe’s memory; As such, readers will see the changing times through the eyes of the eldest daughter of the family. Perhaps due to the fact that Agathe was a young adult at the time, the story does not include the causes of the confusion. Her bitterness seeps in here and there and at times, I get the impression that she had once harbored unpleasant feelings towards Maria and the movie producers, which seem to have been cured. Agathe’s childlike adoration for her biological parents is evident in her heroic and grandiose portrayals, but then, perhaps they really were.
Readers will find that Agathe’s book will travel further back in time, before Mary entered their lives. The bio follows what happened after his escape and clears up common misconceptions. I was surprised that Agathe was 25 when the family left for the United States; the only “children” during the escape were Maria’s newborns.
Although the history of this family is definitely and inspiring, a history rich in rags, there is no denying that this well-connected family certainly did not suffer like their compatriots. Isolated castles and mansions, unspoiled lakes and mountains, private farms, fully staffed estates … no, this was certainly not suffering, by no means. However, the war left the family with nothing but the loyalty and love of their fans and friends. This was enough for them to survive Ellis Island, find a home in America, record albums, tour, and establish a successful music camp, which is operating today in Vermont.
As a fantastic bonus, the center of the book contains over 30 pages of family photos from 1875 to images of the current family, including a shot of the upcoming Trapp family singing group.
Author: Agathe von Trapp
Publisher: Publish America
ISBN 10: 1-4137-6026-0
ISBN 13: 978-1-4137-6026-2