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cindysbookcorner's review against another edition
3.0
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is the first book I have read by Avi. It is not a time period that I typically read from, but this was a book club pick.
The opening lines were strong and drew me in. However, once we got into the story, so much rubbed me the wrong way. Admittedly, I am not the intended audience of the story, so take my words with a grain of salt.
Instead of listing the things that rubbed me the wrong way, it is better to say I do not believe that a prim and proper thirteen-year-old would have been left at the docks by her chaperone, without first ensuring that another proper chaperone was present. Therefore, the story would not have been able to unfold the way it did. But, I am also not a historical expert on the 1830s
The opening lines were strong and drew me in. However, once we got into the story, so much rubbed me the wrong way. Admittedly, I am not the intended audience of the story, so take my words with a grain of salt.
Instead of listing the things that rubbed me the wrong way, it is better to say I do not believe that a prim and proper thirteen-year-old would have been left at the docks by her chaperone, without first ensuring that another proper chaperone was present. Therefore, the story would not have been able to unfold the way it did. But, I am also not a historical expert on the 1830s
makalakm's review against another edition
2.0
My mom LOVES this book, but I honestly didn't think it was that special.
frabjousfairy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
jessica_spencer_01's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
belwood303's review against another edition
3.0
Fast paced and an interesting look at friendship, appearance and gender roles. Due to vocabulary suited more for strong readers but still enjoyable without understanding all the nautical terms
deschatjes's review against another edition
4.0
Gripping tale of a damsel at sea for the 9-12 year old. Feisty but mistaken young girl sets sail in a doomed journey and finds herself and some interesting companions in the process.
Criticism would be quibble on the unlikeliness of the whole tale - requires extended suspended belief from an adult but younger readers probably have the imagination that it would take.
Criticism would be quibble on the unlikeliness of the whole tale - requires extended suspended belief from an adult but younger readers probably have the imagination that it would take.
ekfaltesek's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hollypowelljones's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of my favourite books when I was young & still is today. Reads like a Hollywood film - and should be made into one!
A mystery/thriller meets coming-of-age story meets pirate adventure. Charlotte is a teen heroine akin to Lyra from His Dark Materials, and her character arc will keep you gripped. The whole story is set at sea, with a wonderful cast of characters on board the ship. At times it’s very dark and sad, but also tender and full of courage & hope. Touches on issues of race, class & gender, as Charlotte begins to understand the cruel hierarchies of the world, and grapple with her conscience as she finds her place in it.
Overall, it’s a proper old fashioned adventure tale that younger and adult readers will both love.
A mystery/thriller meets coming-of-age story meets pirate adventure. Charlotte is a teen heroine akin to Lyra from His Dark Materials, and her character arc will keep you gripped. The whole story is set at sea, with a wonderful cast of characters on board the ship. At times it’s very dark and sad, but also tender and full of courage & hope. Touches on issues of race, class & gender, as Charlotte begins to understand the cruel hierarchies of the world, and grapple with her conscience as she finds her place in it.
Overall, it’s a proper old fashioned adventure tale that younger and adult readers will both love.