Vanessa a Love Story
by Sandra L. Manigault

When Vanessa, a beautiful young psychology professor who has fled to New Mexico in the wake of a recent divorce, attends a literary event at her college, she is attracted to the evening’s charismatic, mysterious presenter, artist and poet Miguel Luis. As she manipulates events to place herself in his company, she unknowingly opens the door to a flurry of events that upend her life.

We see Vanessa surrounded by the beauty and bleakness of New Mexico, experiencing the dichotomy of a serene emptiness in the wake of her divorce, yet a peace to be found in this strange habitat without trees and the clutter of most cities. When she encounters Brazilian poet Miguel Luis, she is seduced by his mannerisms, art, and succumbs to her own vulnerability. Although their behavior is discreet, their sexual encounter is inevitable. What they create evolves into an uncommon relationship as they struggle to blend their different cultures and incongruent careers of academia and art. Vanessa must choose either to take risks with Miguel or to stay within her safer, familiar confines.

In its powerful conclusion, Miguel inadvertently but dramatically confronts Vanessa with his past, forcing her to redeem herself in the only way that she can.

Vanessa – a Love Story could be the story of any woman when she meets the personality and archetype seen here as “Miguel.” Although visually and emotionally written to entertain, Vanessa – a Love Story has lessons to be taught: how men and women are conditioned differently and how personality and expectations drive decisions.