Longing

This is the story of Mona, a woman from India fighting for success and equality, despite social and cultural pressures of her homeland and in the United States. Mona's journey propels her from innocence to sophistication, from her traditional town and clannish practices to the world of political power, high finance, and passionate entanglement. Mona will survive - and thrive - because of her longing for education, respect, and love.

Mona longs to go to America and work for her Ph.D. in economics. After a heartbreaking romance is terminated by her conservative family, Mona marries Ramesh and joins him in New York. She learns to adjust to the lifestyle of the United States and to her new husband's domineering and violent ways. Ramesh's infidelity and abuse lead Mona to suffer through a divorce. In time, with a young daughter and a Ph. D., Mona leaves New York and begins a fresh start in California. She works hard to battle cultural obstacles and becomes prominent in her field, urban development. Along the way, she falls desperately in love with a rising politician who shows her how the game of politics changes all the rules. Mona confronts every challenge and overcomes others' cruelty.

Mona's struggle against society's prejudices and restrictions is universal, but ultimately her longing for education, respect, and love brings her happiness.