Anna is looking for a sense of belonging and a link to her roots.īen – A nice and attractive man Anna meets at a neighborhood pub. Vanessa King’s characters in “A Certain Appeal” include:Īnna is the story’s protagonist, a successful entrepreneur who returns to her village in the English countryside after several years in London. The story underscores the value of community and the role it may play in assisting people in times of need. The power of community: Anna’s family and friends provide her the encouragement and fortitude she needs to leave Ben and start over. Her interactions with Ben force her to face these challenges and learn to accept and value herself.

The significance of self-worth and acceptance: Anna fights with her sense of self-worth and identity throughout the novel. The plot delves into the perils of toxic relationships and the significance of recognizing and exiting them. Toxic relationships are dangerous: Anna’s relationship with Ben grows increasingly perilous as he becomes possessive and domineering. Through Anna’s relationships with her family and her relationship with Ben, this issue is explored. Vanessa King’s “A Certain Appeal” has the following themes:Īnna, the heroine, feels detached from her family and friends in her hometown and yearns for a sense of belonging. Anna begins to reconstruct her life and restore her sense of self-worth with the help of her family and friends. Despite her fear, she realizes she can’t let Ben rule her any longer. She confronts him and informs him that their relationship is finished.

Anna attempts to end her relationship with Ben, but he turns aggressive and threatens her.įinally, Anna knows she must take charge of her life and confront Ben. He is possessive and domineering, and he grows increasingly envious of Anna’s friendships and professional successes.

Nevertheless, when Anna gets to know Ben better, she notices a dark side to him. She adores his companionship and has found new meaning in her life. Anna falls in love with Ben and begins to see him on a regular basis. They instantly clicked and spent the evening speaking and joking. Anna is a successful businesswoman, but she misses her family and friends in her hometown and longs for a sense of belonging.Īnna meets a lovely and charming man named Ben one day at a neighborhood tavern. 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. “A Certain Appeal by Vanessa King” Plot Summary