NPR's Book of the Day
Erica Jong and daughter Molly Jong-Fast reflect on 'Fear of Flying'
Dec 15, 2023
Author Erica Jong and daughter Molly Jong-Fast reflect on the controversial novel Fear of Flying. They discuss the constraints women faced, the impacts of marriage on creative expression, and the enduring relevance of the book 50 years later. They also touch on second-wave feminism and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
14:54
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Quick takeaways
- Fear of Flying challenged societal expectations of women and sparked discussions about marriage, independence, and women's creativity.
- Fear of Flying played a crucial role in empowering women by addressing choice, bodily autonomy, and equality.
Deep dives
The Controversy and Impact of Fear of Flying
Fear of Flying, written by Erica Jong, caused controversy upon its release due to its portrayal of a woman who pursued sex freely. The novel captured the sexual revolution and the changing roles of women during that time. Despite being fictional, the book was transparently autobiographical, which had a significant impact on Erica Jong's life. The main character's liberation challenged societal expectations of women, and the book sparked discussions about marriage, independence, and the limitations placed on women's creativity.
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