“A Certain Appeal by Vanessa King” Plot Summary
Vanessa King’s “A Certain Appeal” is a short tale about a young woman named Anna who returns to her village in the English countryside after living in London for several years. Anna is a successful businesswoman, but she misses her family and friends in her hometown and longs for a sense of belonging.
Anna meets a lovely and charming man named Ben one day at a neighborhood tavern. They instantly clicked and spent the evening speaking and joking. Anna falls in love with Ben and begins to see him on a regular basis. She adores his companionship and has found new meaning in her life.
Nevertheless, when Anna gets to know Ben better, she notices a dark side to him. He is possessive and domineering, and he grows increasingly envious of Anna’s friendships and professional successes. Anna attempts to end her relationship with Ben, but he turns aggressive and threatens her.
Finally, Anna knows she must take charge of her life and confront Ben. She confronts him and informs him that their relationship is finished. Despite her fear, she realizes she can’t let Ben rule her any longer. Anna begins to reconstruct her life and restore her sense of self-worth with the help of her family and friends.
Themes of “A Certain Appeal”
Vanessa King’s “A Certain Appeal” has the following themes:
Anna, the heroine, feels detached from her family and friends in her hometown and yearns for a sense of belonging. Through Anna’s relationships with her family and her relationship with Ben, this issue is explored.
Toxic relationships are dangerous: Anna’s relationship with Ben grows increasingly perilous as he becomes possessive and domineering. The plot delves into the perils of toxic relationships and the significance of recognizing and exiting them.
The significance of self-worth and acceptance: Anna fights with her sense of self-worth and identity throughout the novel. Her interactions with Ben force her to face these challenges and learn to accept and value herself.
The power of community: Anna’s family and friends provide her the encouragement and fortitude she needs to leave Ben and start over. The story underscores the value of community and the role it may play in assisting people in times of need.
Characters in “A Certain Appeal”
Vanessa King’s characters in “A Certain Appeal” include:
Anna is the story’s protagonist, a successful entrepreneur who returns to her village in the English countryside after several years in London. Anna is looking for a sense of belonging and a link to her roots.
Ben – A nice and attractive man Anna meets at a neighborhood pub. They start dating, but Ben’s possessive and controlling behavior grows increasingly dangerous.
Anna’s Family – During the novel, Anna’s family members, especially her mother, father, and sister, offer her support and encouragement.
Anna’s Childhood Friends – Anna’s childhood friends, especially a woman named Charlotte, play an important role in the plot as well. They help Anna reconnect with her roots and give her a sense of belonging.
Additional characters in the novel include the patrons of the local pub where Anna and Ben meet, as well as Anna’s London coworkers. Despite their tiny roles, these characters contribute to define the backdrop and context for the story.