The main setting of The True Confession of Charlotte Doyle?

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is set during the early 19th century. The world at large has a similar view to Charlotte's of social class distinction. Girls, like Charlotte, have few rights. The book opens at the busy docks of Liverpool, England, in important sailing port in England during that time, with Charlotte searching for and boarding the Seahawk. With all the cargo and people coming off and on to the other ships, Charlotte is amazed at all things going on around her.

A majority of the book takes place on the Seahawk as it makes its way across the Atlantic Ocean. The ship is both a microcosm of society, and a small community isolated from the rest of the world, where Charlotte can discover new beliefs. The events occur in various parts of the boat, from atop the masts to below the deck where the cargo is kept. Charlotte goes from hating the ship in its filthy, rugged condition, to becoming comfortable enough that she feels right at home. The reader discerns this change in Charlotte, because after awhile Charlotte doesn't mention the filth, especially in the crew's living quarters. The last part of the book is set in the city of Providence, Rhode Island, at the Doyles' large and elegant home. The fact that the Doyle family has many servants and a library full of books is a clear sign that they are quite wealthy. Finally, Charlotte is with her real family, but she feels too confined, despite the home's elegant comfort. Finally, she returns to the Seahawk.