LONGING is a psychological novel focusing on a young woman's dependence on her husband and finally her attempts to forge an independent life for herself and escape their unhealthy relationship. Rosa, a frail, sensitive American Jew living in Paris, marries an alcoholic, expatriate from Chile and finds herself trapped in a sadomasochistic relationship. Through the birth of their daughter and reunion with her parents in the U.S., Rosa's implicit trust in Antonio to direct her life begins to wain. But her parents are not the answer either, and Rosa gradually gains confidence in her pursuit of self.