The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (1990)

I've read comments on this book regarding history, social standing and upbringing, plausibility, physical realities like size and strength. Is this at all believable? Can suspension of disbelief be stretched this far? All I can say is that my ability to set these things aside in the face of such a wonderful adventure reaffirms my belief in a god. I cannot just be this lucky.

I loved this. I have a new heroine. I found this so exciting. I could visualize and feel everything. Once the story got underway it stayed intense all the way up to the very last sentence. Such an adventure. Such a character. I'm stunned. ( )

Summary:
This story is about a young girl who is on a ship full of only male pirates. The sail the ocean day and night and she is the only girl on the ship. She cleans, cooks, and helps when the men get sick. Amongst some of the crew, there is a conspiracy to overtake the captain. She starts to understand what they are trying to do, but then they think she is involved so she gets punished. They eventually make it across the ocean and she makes it to her family.

Reflection:
This book was not your average book. Though it was about a time a long time ago, it's hard to believe that there are pirates in the story. She is quick to change sides after a boy that she liked died after being lashed by the captain. Sounds like a typical girl, doing something stupid for a boy. She takes up with the crew and is instantly treated like one of them. She does however overcome this all and make it home to her family.

1) Do a lesson over all the types of ships
2) Do a fun lesson over so called "pirate terms" that are used in the book

I remember this one from when I was a kid. It's still a fun little read. ( )

You know what? I still freakin' love this book. Maggie is doing a book report on a historical fiction novel and I practically threw this one at her. (so of course I have to read it before she can even get the chance to crack it open, right?). God I was SO into this book in third grade, and I know that it might be implausible at times, reading this as an adult instead of as a child, but I don't care. This book was in heavy rotation in my little library, squeezed in between the entire Babysitters Club series (including all of the Super Summers) and my Nancy Drews. Rock on, Charlotte Doyle. I salute you. ( )

Other people have given this book a higher score, but for me this was just meh. There was some mystery and some action, but it never really struck a chord with me. I think it was because I didn’t feel Charlotte was a likeable character and I didn’t believe in her quick transformation.

Charlotte is this wealthy, snobby Victorian girl on her father’s ship on her way home. Through a series of events she gets accused of murder and suddenly her personality changes. As a way to pay off her dues she ends up becoming part of the crew. The crew at first is skeptical of her but slowly they begin to accept Charlotte as she proves herself.

The plot was interesting, but at times it was a drag for me to read. I found Charlotte’s personality grating on my nerves many times. Unfortunately, because she is the narrator of the story I couldn’t get away from her. The other crew members also were not very believable in their actions. I just don’t think someone who betrayed them and murdered one of their own could have really been accepted by such tough guys.
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