The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

1. Bibliography

Avi. 1990. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 9780786272525

2. Plot Summary

This is a story of a thirteen year old girl in 1832. She travels alone from boarding school, on a ship, The Seahawk, across the Atlantic to her family as the only female passenger, among a crew of sailors. During this long voyage she witnesses a murder, is accused of a murder, and has an unfair trial. She has to learn to survive with very little luxuries, and figure out whom she can really trust. When she finally survives and discovers who to trust she returns home to realize she belongs working on a ship with the people she trusts. So it is there she returns.

3. Critical Analysis

This story based on all the research proves to be very authentic. The times, the people, and the values are represented correctly. The setting of the story is on a ship in the summer of 1832. Everything from the sailors, "Mostly rags and tatters," (Avi, 20) clothing to the details of the ship, "...the Seahawk was known as a brig, a two-mastedship (with a snow mast behing the main), perhaps some seven hundred tons in weight, 107 feet stern to bow, 130 feet deck to mainmast cap." (Avi, 12), and all of the physical environment is described explicitly.

The characters are intriquing and well developed. The young girl protagonist, Charlotte, is easy to relate to, especially for young females. She speaks and dresses appropriately for this time period. It says, "I was very much a girl, having not yet begun to take the shape, much less the heart, of a woman. Still, my family dressed me as a young woman, bonnet covering my beautiful hair, full skirts, high button shoes, and you may be sure, white gloves." (Avi, 1) Also, the actions of the sailors will keep the males engaged in this shocking story.

The plot is full of action, from gruesome murders, to herendous hurricanes. It makes the book hard to put down. It seems very realistic to the time period of the 1800’s.

The theme of the book being good overcomes evil. For Charlotte was always honest and truthful and in the end survived while, Mr. Jaggery, the evil and deceitful character goes overboard.
The style reflects the language and speech patterns of the time. The dialogue often represents how the different social classes spoke to one another.
" Charlotte, sit!," my father barked. He turned to the maid who was waiting near by. "Mary, butter." (Avi, 202)

Throughout the details of the book you can see that the author has truly done his research. In the appendix he includes a detailed diagram of the ship, and a list of ship's time, the sailors work shifts. He has done an excellent job of creating an engaging story set in a historical time period.

4. Review Excerpt(s)

Children's Literature

Charlotte's journal of her transatlantic voyage, June 1832, as the only passenger on the brig Seahawk, is breathtaking reading. Always the obedient daughter, Charlotte sees no reason to change when she sails with Captain Jaggery and his 12-man crew. Loyal to him, she is the cause of the death of 2 of the seamen and becomes an enemy of the crew. When she discovers Jaggery's evil nature, she realizes she is in danger. The only way to gain the crew's trust is to become one of them. Her fearlessness is awesome and in this process of change, she becomes a spirited and independent young woman. 1993 (orig.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8On a long, grueling journey from England to Rhode Island in 1832, a 13 year old changes from a prim and proper girl to a swashbuckling mate of a mutinous crew and is accused of murder by the captain. Awash with shipboard activity, intense feelings, and a keen sense of time and place, the story is a throwback to good old-fashioned adventure yarns on the high seas. (Sept. 1990)

5. Connections

· Invite students to read other novels by Avi.
· Invite students to research the early 1800's.
· Encourage students to do a character comparison of Charlotte and Zachariah.