Well, if you want to re-write it, you won't get any complaints from me!

I don't remember it being too wordy, but the author's perspective is always different (and harsher, too). I remember loving that moment when the whole family is sitting in the room for lesson time, and the Captain reads Gretl (or maybe Marta... one of the little ones) a story. Soon, the whole family stops what they're doing and listens. The bit where the Captain notices Maria's leg pressing against his... uber sexy without a note of scandal. Perfect.