In the wake of Goldie Cohen's mysterious disappearance, 'The First Desire' brings to light the concealed emotions and secret desires of the Cohen family. As the narrative unfolds from the perspectives of siblings Sadie, Jo, Goldie, and Irving, their carefully maintained facades crumble, revealing hidden vulnerabilities. Set against the backdrop of Buffalo, New York, during the transformative years from the Great Depression to the post-World War II era, this poignant tale weaves together themes of love, loss, tradition, and longing that resonate through the family's bonds.