Isabelle, from Harper Woods, MI, writes, “I was wondering if you’re going to make a sequel to The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle?”
In the years since the book was published I have been asked that question many times, even before sequels became popular.
It seems to me that Charlotte’s story, among a number of things, is about her gaining the power and courage to make choices for herself—to decide what she wishes to do with her life. Of course, in the story, her biggest decision, her biggest choice, is what to do after the events on the Seahawk, after she returns home to Providence, RI. Since I feel Charlotte’s achievement is the ability to make choices for herself, to tell the reader what that choice might be would diminish the book’s power. That openness is what, I think the book is about. I am a strong believer that a book, once written, belongs to the reader, not to the writer. Since I have no idea what Charlotte might do, I want every reader to make that choice on their own, even as I want every reader to have that power in their own lives. We all have the power to write our own sequels. The sequel I won’t write is one for The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Isabelle, you are going to have to do that on your own.
3 thoughts on “Will there be a sequel?”
I truly agree! Sometimes to leave something to be a mystery makes the reader think deeply and for a long time. Leave it for the reader to wonder. I also agree that a sequel might ruin the book. How it is is suppose to be left.
An elegant book. Did not think it would have such an adventure…
Thanks for such a book, Avi! Hope to write like such a thing…
I agree, as well. This was my favorite book growing up and, even to this day, I imagine what Charlotte could be doing with her life after such an adventure. Having the freedom to imagine all the possibilities kept the story fresh in my mind. I am so thankful to you, Avi, for writing such a thought-provoking literary gem!
Avi,
My 6th grade class just finished reading about Charlotte’s journey. Many have asked about a sequel. Some time has passed since your initial response; therefore, I was wondering if perhaps the winds of change have moved you to reconsider writing a sequel?
Also, several of the students have mentioned their disappointment in terms of how Captain Jaggery met his fate. They are curious as to why his demise was accidental instead of at the hands of either Charlotte or Zachariah? I am hoping you would share some insight on the matter?
Thank you so much for letting us be a part of such a special girl’s world and for the joy your writing brings to my class every year!
Respectfully,
A. Bosley