lauren_ren08's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of the best books I’ve ever read, we reread it every year. I would recommend this book to anyone.
booksnooksandcrannies73's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
andrearbooks's review against another edition
3.0
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi is a book from my childhood. I have a list of throwback reads I'm slowly making my way through. When I saw this one at the used bookstore for less than a dollar, I decided to bring it home. Y'all? What is this book? And why were we reading this as children? I was really into historical fiction as a kiddo, so it would make sense that I read this at some point, but what? First off, Charlotte is sent on a ship solo to America. There are supposed to be some other families to watch over her, but for one reason or another, they don't come with, so it's just her and the crew. (By the way, there are spoilers ahead, but you've also had like twenty five years to read this, so I don't feel so bad.) While on the ship, so many things go down. Charlotte becomes an informant for the captain about any potential mutinies, a dude dies, the captain confronts the mutiny, there is a murder, Charlotte gets accused of murder, Charlotte is acquitted, and then Charlotte somehow becomes captain? I could totally see how historical loving grade school Andrea would have like this, but as an adult, I'm not so sure.
astraliss's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pagesofpins's review against another edition
4.0
Three star book, but four for nostalgia.
A re-read of one of my favorite books in fifth grade. It's definitely not a history textbook, and the action was slower moving than I remember, either because what will happen is more obvious as an adult or because the audiobook narration is too slow. Nonetheless, I think kids who love independent and strong willed characters will enjoy Charlotte's transformation from proper young lady to crew member accused of murder.
Troubling bits: Charlotte claims she can remember this voyage so well in her old age because of her journal. Y'know, the one that gets burned at the end of the book. Hmm.
Also, I caught no explanation of how the other families were threatened/prevented from making the voyage by the mutinous crew, but Charlotte mysteriously wasn't. She's that difficult to prevent? Or it's just no problem to murder her and cover it up?
A re-read of one of my favorite books in fifth grade. It's definitely not a history textbook, and the action was slower moving than I remember, either because what will happen is more obvious as an adult or because the audiobook narration is too slow. Nonetheless, I think kids who love independent and strong willed characters will enjoy Charlotte's transformation from proper young lady to crew member accused of murder.
Troubling bits: Charlotte claims she can remember this voyage so well in her old age because of her journal. Y'know, the one that gets burned at the end of the book. Hmm.
Also, I caught no explanation of how the other families were threatened/prevented from making the voyage by the mutinous crew, but Charlotte mysteriously wasn't. She's that difficult to prevent? Or it's just no problem to murder her and cover it up?
ebroadbent22's review against another edition
5.0
Awesome! I was convinced I wasn't gonna be happy with the ending, but I was!
alex_grenn's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
nextbestcoast's review against another edition
This was one of my favorite books when I was ten-eleven. I picked it up at the library last week just for old times sake. It didn't disappoint.
jjrae's review against another edition
4.0
I went into this book expecting it to be like a Dear America diary. However, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is much deeper, feels more, and knows more. Charlotte's transformation is believable and the reader, too, is introduced to the demanding Captain Jaggery and rugged crew as if aboard that very ship. The character Charlotte makes different decisions than I would have, not the obvious ones. That's what makes her seem real. She's annoying at times. Lot's of tussles concerning loyalty. But everything she does fits her character and I applaud Avi for that.
The story is not lighthearted but the ending will make you satisfied. The moment of Charlotte's transformation, I'd say, doesn't complete itself until the last page, so keep reading. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
The story is not lighthearted but the ending will make you satisfied. The moment of Charlotte's transformation, I'd say, doesn't complete itself until the last page, so keep reading. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
heatherbermingham's review against another edition
5.0
Awesome ships! Adventures at sea! Mutiny! Mystery! A young girl breaking free of society's constraints! Holy cow, I loved this book. I want to hug it and squeeze it. I'm sorry that 12-year-old me never read it because as much as I love it now, she would have loved it even more.