The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Avi (Author), Ruth E. Murray (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1993

As the only passenger, and the only female, on a transatlantic voyage in 1832, thirteen-year-old Charlotte finds herself caught between a murderous captain and a mutinous crew.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Told in the form of a recollection, these "confessions" cover 13-year-old Charlotte's eventful 1832 transatlantic crossing. She begins her trip a prim schoolgirl returning home to her American family from England. From the start, there is something wrong with the Seahawk : the families that were to serve as Charlotte's chaperones do not arrive, and the unsavory crew warns her not to make the trip. When the crew rebels, Charlotte first sides with the civilized Captain Jaggerty, but before long she realizes that he is a sadist and--the only female aboard--she joins the crew as a seaman. Charlotte is charged with murder and sentenced to be hanged before the trip is over, but ends up in command of the Seahawk by the time it reaches its destination. Charlotte's repressive Puritanical family refuses to believe her tale, and the girl returns to the sea. Charlotte's story is a gem of nautical adventure, and Avi's control of tone calls to mind William Golding's 1980s trilogy of historical novels of the sea. Never wavering from its 19th century setting, the novel offers suspense and entertainment modern-day readers will enjoy. Ages 11-13.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

A breathtaking seafaring adventure, set in 1832. Charlotte Doyle, 13, returning from school in England to join her family in Rhode Island, is deposited on a seedy ship with a ruthless, mad captain and a mutinous crew. Refusing to heed warnings about Captain Jaggery's brutality, Charlotte seeks his guidance and approval only to become his victim, a pariah to the entire crew, and a convicted felon for the murder of the first mate. There is no doubt that she will survive, however, for the telling is all hers, masterfully related in a voice that perfectly suits the period and the heroine. At first, Charlotte exudes the haughty self-confidence and the need for propriety that only those of privilege and wealth can pull off, yet she also exhibits the naivete of an adolescent taught to respect and not question her elders--as long as they are of her class. As she sees the insane captain for what he is, she switches allegiances--thus endangering her life--and becomes part of the crew, passing their rugged tests and proving that she can become as adept as any of them. Her changing views and personality from a prim and proper pain to respected friend and mate are aptly reflected in her narrative, and the point of view gives Avi excellent opportunities for some fine foreshadowing. The irony at the end--that indeed her beloved papa is very much like the captain, tyrannical and unyielding--will leave readers agape, and they will sigh with relief when she deserts her very rigid family and returns home--to the ship. A sensuous novel, evoking the sights, sounds, and smells of the ship and the sea; the moods of captain and crew; the terror and bloodshed caused by the captain; and the nature of friendship and loyalty. --Trev Jones, School Lib. Journal
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 289 pages
• Publisher: Thorndike Pr (March 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560545925
• ISBN-13: 978-1560545927
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (439 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,655,454 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Avi has published more than sixty books. Among them is Crispin: The Cross of Lead, winner of the 2003 Newbery Medal. Other novels with nineteenth-century settings, like The Traitors' Gate -- his grand nod to the work of Charles Dickens -- are listed before the title page, and include the Newbery Honor Book, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Avi and his family live in Denver, Colorado.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My 3rd favourite novel;one of Avi's greatest, September 7, 2005

By 

Chelsea Churro "#1 Peacekeeper" (My Scene & Bratz) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (Paperback)

If you are a fan of this novel, it is well known that you have a huge capacity of inner feeling(similar to that of Charlotte). I am twelve and I am a person of such nature. If you hated this book, it is likely that you are a modern, go-along with the crowd type of person that cherishes technology more than anything else. People such as I and fans of this extravagent novel understand Charlotte Doyle and quite honor books like this.

In fifth grade, my teacher read this story aloud to the classroom. I believed almost every soul present was hooked on it, but it turns out that I was wrong. For,once when the story ended the magic was gone. I was the only one who ever spoke of it. I was craving for a sequal(most sequels never are as brilliant and popular as the origanionals and classics), and at the same time craving the origanal to be my own. So I rented it from the library and read it twice again. The same magic entered my mindand absorbed my heart each time. I couldn't get enough of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle.

Then the next time I had a chance to buy a book, without a second thought I hurridly hunted Charlotte down, grabbed her gently(while staring into Charlotte's beautiful eyes!), and stode toward the cash register. I read it all again that evening, same magic appeared once more. And just a couple of weeks ago when I started 7th grade, I read Charlotte Doyle once more. I have read it a total of 5 times in 2.5 years(that two and a half!).

Some of you say that it is boring. That may be true, but I believe you are referring to the beginning of the novel. Patience is a virtue. The information is vital later on in the novel. If you read the whole novel through and found naught a single interesting point, no climax or anything at all, THEN I can't explain. I suggest it was because you expected gore, or machine guns, bombs exploding, or a shark attack. Allow me to remind you of the setting-1832-not the 21st century!

As for the author, Avi has written many excellect novels, and has earned a reputation for high standards. I find it absolutely amazing how he captured a perfect mind of a girl like me! Not a girl from the 21st century. No, not a girl that by the age of 7 is thinking about how 'hot' the boy in her class is, or how to cuss and get her parents upset. No, not the girl that thinks of stuff like being a slut. Wathing R movies and getting into 'relationships'. I find that sort of behavior quite appalling. I'm talking about a REAL girl with hopes and Dreams and following her senses, being brave, and listening to what her heart desires.

If you loved this novel it may be true that you are a 'young soul of justice' yourself!!!

ABOUT THE BOOK!

Charlotte Doyle, a girl by the age of thirteen, lives in England and goes to the Barrington School for Better Girls. Her father, mother, younger sister and younger brother live in Providince, Rhode Island. Charlotte is to sail on the Seahawk(a brig, also known as a two masted ship) on a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to live with her family.

Charlotte's father has several reasons leading up to the positiveness of this voyage. First, Charlotte will be losing no school, due to the fact that it is summer break and this voyage will occupy an assuming 2 months. Second, the Seahawk is owned by her father's company, and is operated under her father's firm. The fourth reason is the captain of the seahawk has earned a reputation for profitabe crossings across the Atlantic Ocean. The final reason is two other families known by her father have also booked for this passage, and are to accompany Charlotte.

Theres a large beautiful boat, jolly sailors,no school, and companions of her age!

The only possible thing that can dampen this voyage, the rain on Charlotte's parade, is a journal that Charlotte was instructed by her father to write in every day of her voyage.There are no other interruptions in Charlotte's soon-to-be fantastic journey. And what harm can a journal be?

It turns out that during this journey, Charlotte's happiness is not the only thing held in jeopardy-her life is, too! Will Charlotte's strong will to survive and make the best of her current position prevail? Or will life's hard lessons drive Charlotte out of her mind?

This is my first time to write a review of a book, so please write back if I have not met up to the standard expectations. And please read The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Avi is among the most adored authors of present day!

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling High Seas Adventure, April 1, 2004

By 

Erika Sorocco (Southern California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (Paperback)

The year is 1832, and thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is excited to make an interesting voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, being transported from Liverpool, England, home to her family in Providence, Rhode Island by way of ship. She is lead to believe that other families with children her age will be accompanying her on this trip, as it is improper for a girl of her age to be traveling with a group of men, but when they never show up, she is forced to board by herself, and is soon thrown into a tailspin. Before Charlotte even knows what is going on, she is not only accused of murder, but brought to trial, and found guilty, as well. This is her story. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, as she lived it.

THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE is an amazing work of literary fiction, that will stay with the reader for years and years to come. Charlotte is an intelligent, strong willed, strong minded, and brave young girl, who makes the best of all of the challenges she faces on her journey. She is not afraid of a little hard work, and even enjoys it to a certain extent. Through her adventures she keeps her head up and a smile on her face, just to prove to everyone around her that she can do anything that a man can, and sometimes she can even do it better. A must have book for anyone interested in historical fiction, as this is one of the best.

Erika Sorocco

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Newbery Honor book "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle", July 16, 2002

By 

Priscilla Stafford (Yokohama, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (Paperback)

When I read on the cover of this book, "A spellbinding tale of intrigue and murder on the high seas", I knew I had to try it out. And I must say, the book delivers a truly wonderful tale worthy of the Newbery Honor it received.

It is the year 1832 and thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is being summoned by her family to return to America. But what they don't know is that he two families who were to accompany Charlotte have suddenly decided not to go! Before she knows it, Charlotte is the lone lady passenger on board the 'Seahawk'. Though Captain Jaggery seems to be the only gentleman among the rough crew, Charlotte discovers that all is not what is seems. When she befriends the old cook Zachariah, she finds out that something is about to happen, something she never dreams would happen! Throughout the deadly voyage on the high seas, Charlotte will be tested in her courage, find out her true loyalties, and discover is she has the will to survive!

A truly amazing and thrilling tale, "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" will not disappoint. It starts off a bit slow I must confess for me but my feelings for the book changed almost immediately. A definite must-read for all young adults. Charlotte Doyle is such a remarkable character that you can't help but relate to her. In the beginning I was a bit startled by her actions of being 'the young lady' and how she must act the part. But soon I began to cheer her on as she began to really open her eyes to the situation growing around her.

Avi is truly a wonderful author and has proven the range of talent he/she has. I mean, I have had the book "Romeo and Juliet - Together (and Alive!) At Last", which is a totally hilarious book! I just laugh every time I read the book. But in "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle", there is a sort of classic novel feel to it. If you liked this book or enjoy reading funny stories, don't miss "Romeo and Juliet - Together (and Alive!) At Last".