SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
When Charlotte Doyle stays on for school in Great Britain, she has to take a later ship to return home to America. Assured that she will have other young people to spend the long journey with, she is confused to discover she is the only passenger on the ship. Charlotte trust the captain, a clean-cut man who seem respectable and distrusts the shabby crew. But when events lead her to realize she has made a terrible error in judgment, Charlotte has to make a major change. But even if she does, can she survive the trip?
OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS
Charlotte Doyle has lived a safe, sheltered life with her parents. She has always been taken cared of, and at thirteen, we would expect that. She is rather shallow, judging people merely on appearances. She even thinks if she talks to the crew, she is somehow bettering them. She eventually realizes her faults and develops into a selfless and brave hero. The change is believable because it occurs only after dramatic circumstances and Charlotte displays fear and a lack of belief in herself throughout the story.
Zachariah is the only black man on the crew as well as the oldest, he takes Charlotte aside and tries to warn her of coming troubles. He gives her a knife but she is disgusted by it. Eventually she learns to like him and they become friends. Although that friendship is tested later on.
Captain Jaggery is neatly dressed, well spoken, and makes an excellent impression on Charlotte. Although it seems obvious to the reader that he says all of the right things and is a bit...too perfect.
PACING-SPOILERS
The pacing is fast from the beginning. Before even the first chapter, we get a preface where we learn straight up that Charlotte will be accused of murder and found guilty. From there the book starts and we are taken immediately to the Seahawk. The book flows fast, switching between suspense and action so the reader is never bored.
FORESHADOWING
There are clues right away that the Captain is not who he seems. Those felt very obvious. Charlotte learns where the guns are stored in Jaggery's quarters. This is crucial later on.
The more subtle acts of foreshadowing were in the narration. Multiple chapters end with giving us hints that something is going to happen in the future, we just don't know what. For instance at one ending, Charlotte says she wanted to never use the dagger she was given, but it was not to be.
STRUCTURE
The plot is split into two parts. The events that lead to a major event and discovery of Charlotte's, and everything that happens afterwards. In a sense, there are two Charlottes, a different in each part. In that aspect, the plot feels very much like a story of character development.
AN OBVIOUS VILLAIN
It's quite obvious that Jaggery isn't who claims to be. He says all the right things. When she first comes to meet him, he is reading his Bible. Really. I suppose this is meant to sharpen the contrast between who Charlotte is and who she is to become. But I would rather have had the Captain seem more convincing. At least for a moment.
ODD COMMENTARY
There are few moments in the book where Avi seems to want to point out the restrictions placed upon girls by Charlotte's society. But he often does it clumsily, pulling us out of the story and reminding us that the author is a twenty-first century male. Charlotte points out her whole life she has been trained to be obedient and cannot just change so she is led to her room. What was she supposed to do? Have a tantrum? She is on a ship and cannot get off. It feels unnatural for her to phrase it as such. She is a child. Of course she is used to doing as she is told. Luckily, these awkward comments are few.
CHARLOTTE'S FAMILY-SPOILERS
When Charlotte returns home the reaction from her family is not expected. Although she only references her father in the beginning of the story, it seems nothing is amiss. Charlotte seems to be fond of both her parents and they of her. And she says multiple times that her father would stand by her decisions. So the insane way her father reacts seems unbelievable.
He seems to have no thought to the fact his daughter should be dead or that she is not prone to lies and a sudden change in character seems unlikely. The mother has no part at all. She says nothing.
I understand that the author wanted Charlotte to realize she had been liberated from the restraints of her society. But he didn't have to make her parents seem psychotic to do so. Her mother could have easily showed her affection and genuine worry about what she went through and might even believe her and confide to her in secret. She could have explained they were not to talk about it to anyone else. Her father could have simply been harsh about keeping quiet.
EXPLICIT CONTENT
A man is shot and bleeds to death. Another is whipped. There are a few swear words.
CONCLUSION
Avi paints a fast paced story full of suspense and a likable heroine with a believable character arc. I give “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” four stars.
What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!
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