Fear of Flying

by Erica Jong

Book Overview

Originally published in 1973, the groundbreaking, uninhibited story of Isadora Wing and her desire to fly free caused a national sensation. In "The New York Times," Henry Miller compared it to his own classic, "Tropic of Cancer" and predicted that "this book will make literary history..." It has sold more than twelve million copies. Now, after thirty years, the revolutionary novel known as "Fear of Flying" still stands as a timeless tale of self-discovery,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0030107318
• ISBN13: 9780030107313
• Release Date: January 1973
• Publisher: Holt McDougal
• Length: 340 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.

Customer Reviews

much better than Sex in the City in describing real relationships and the complexity of being a woma

Erica Jong really accurately describes the complexity of relationships, desire, love, dependence and freedom. Even though this book is seen as a symbol of the women's liberation movement in the 70s (which is before I was born), it's not at all out of date. I read Fear of Flying straight though, looking for the answers to the most difficult questions: how do I remain independent without just being lonely? how can we control love, others, and ourselves? what makes a relationship work? where does sex come into the equation? what's love got to do with it? and what do you do when a relationship is pretty darn good but not perfect? The book doesn't have an answer key, and doesn't try to simplify what is inherently complex. Instead it is vividly real, and sticks with you long after you're done reading it.

A thirty year journey that is true today in 2003!!!

I saw the book in one of those big franchise book stores and the cover caught my eye, white with a zipper half unzipped revealing red underneath. Now that I have read "Fear of Flying" the cover seems very symbolic and provacative just like the book.From the dedication to the afterword I was captivated by this book, a true literary work about a woman seeking self. It is not a chick lit book but true literature. I couldn't beleive I missed this book all my life, I am in my early thirties and had never heard about it but wish I had it starting in my teens. Every woman, every man should read this book it gives great insight on the insecurities of women. From sentence one I felt like Isadora Zelda White Wing spoke to me of my own doubts and emotional struggles. All of a sudden I was not alone...I was not lost, her journey was mine and mine hers.This book was about getting your passion back along with your identity, not sex or fantasies as so many want to dwell on. Although she is very candid about her sexual exploits(Isadora's) and the language is very forward but its relevent to the story.As a woman, I can say that the idea of the zipless f...k has had an appeal but after reading her encounters with Dr. Goodlove you have to re-address your impulses and figure out what you really are looking for. I think that was the true teaching of this book........find out who you really are not what or who defines you.

Powerful Novel Retains Its Place in History.

I get a little peeved when I read some reviews of this novel passing it off as some sort of salacious, "Peyton Place"-ish trifle meant to shock midwestern Americans. The truth is, over thirty years since its appearance, that the reviews Henry Miller and John Updike offered were no less than prophetic. The book is a genuine work of literary art and craft, frank but necessarily so in the same way "Lady Chatterley's Lover" was. Jong's style is compelling; her opinions, questions, and searches for her character's validations are no less valuable today. Perhaps a good portion of people were in a more open state of mind in the early seventies, more willing to experiment with lifestyle, substances, morality, even music and art. But are people today in less need of this kind of open consciousness? One only needs to examine the current political climate to see that we're heading for a revisionist version of McCarthyism. So perhaps the views expressed in "Fear of Flying" bear reexamination. This book has so many ways to praise it one hardly knows where to begin. But as a man too young to read it in 1973, I am profoundly grateful to Ms. Jong for the opportunity to read and grow with it now and, no doubt, many times in the future (seeing it back in print, I quickly purchased 3 copies to get me through several more planned readings in the coming years). This edition features the new 2002 afterword by the author, which is invaluable. Jong's perspective on the value of the book, its uncertain early history, publishing stats, and humbling effect on the lady herself add to the novel's resonance. This may be told from a much-needed woman's persepective, but I refuse to label it as "women's" or "feminine" lit. This towering work should not be so conveniently monikered. Its far too challenging, and important, for that. How about simply "classic"?

Mirror on the female soul/The neuroses of intelligent women

The beautiful thing about 'Fear of Flying' is that, if you are an intelligent, educated woman, you will see yourself in it and its protagonist, Isadora. All the more so if you are in your 20s or 30s, a career woman, and/or entertain artistic ambitions. As you read, you will find yourself constantly smiling in recognition and nodding in agreement and understanding.'Fear of Flying' captures the thoughts, fears, obsessions and self-destructions that all women indulge in but are afraid to admit. The great liberation I found in Erica Jong's novel was not the zipless f uck but rather "Wow, it's not just me!" about the stewing insecurity under the veneer of confidence and success. And, by itemizing those insecurities, she castrates them of their power.'Fear of Flying' is not about sex but, rather, how women seek to define and obliterate themselves through sex and through love. Isadora's sexual journey is pretty tame and ultimately not very liberating, and therein is the book's main point. Women will find 'Fear of Flying' affirming, and men should read it to better understand how women process their emotions and experiences. It would make a great gift for the well-intentioned but clueless boyfriend or husband.The narrative in 'Fear of Flying' is a bit wanting, albeit it is an idea-driven, not story-driven, novel. The Freudian aspect is also a bit overdone; it dates the book in this era of pop psychology and self-help, and is confusing to this generation no longer schooled in Fruedian theory.Nonetheless, it is an amazing book. Sadly, the need for women to learn to live within themselves, to claim their own destinies, remains as controversial a topic as it was decades ago. We haven't come that far, baby.

Funny, Brilliant and wildy entertaining

This is a real classic of the 60's generation, marking the onset of the sexual revolution with an era of honesty about sex, and especially the carnal desire of women.Definetely one of our greatest living authors, Jong has the courage to shock people into the realization that women and men are more alike than we sometimes want to believe.Very funny, intelligent, and yes, perverted, this book raised eyebrows when it came out, but it's still a fast-paced, fascinating and brilliant read.Move over, Roth, Miller, Robbins. Perverse exhilaration is no longer the realm of men.