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, liberation, and womanhood.
Download and start listening now!
"I read this when I was 15 and it blew my mind wide open. A classic. Jong presented a very fascinating view of what I imagined adults' lives to be like. I revisited this book later in feminist theory college courses. Jong knows how to grip her,er...audience. Yeah, that's it."
— Juliette (4 out of 5 stars)
" A real period piece, but funny and insightful. Has held up well. "
— Rob, 2/16/2014" At first, I found FEAR OF FLYING hilarious. She talks nonstop about sex and analysis, dropping the F bomb like there's no tomorrow, espousing this funny social commentary about life and marriage, a quasi-feminist rant (very feminist for 1973), yet she loves it when men grab her behind (not feminist anyway you slice it). I was started reading it because it was the IT book in 1973. My mom, who would not normally read something like this, for example, read it. She HAD to read it. EVERYONE read it--and so did I, until about chapter 4, when I got really tired of the banter and disgusted by the sexual conquest ensuing between the protagonist and a old, out of shape, sunburnt, pompous ass. And as much as I wanted to like this book and finish it, I just couldn't read any more. So at that point, I read the summary at the end by Henry Miller, found out what happened in the end, and returned the book to the library, following my new mantra: Life is too short to finish books I don't like. "
— Jennifer, 2/11/2014" Is one of the best erotic novels I ever read. The very feminist anti-moralist and openminded Isadora (main character) is the wife of a psychiatrist who pays less than little atention to her. She has a dream: "la encamada sin cierre relampago". She explores the conflict between loyalty and infidelity. "
— Nubia, 2/2/2014" the author expresses the fear of probably many (all?) women about what it means to give yourself up for a man, a baby, a relationship or your family, the fear of loosing yourself and the joy of finding yourself and in the general mess and upheaval life consists of. "
— Dessi, 1/22/2014" At the time this was an opening experience. The image of the "zipless fuck" was an eyeopener. "
— Mae, 1/21/2014" An erotic, slightly neurotic read. I recommend it! "
— Lisa, 1/15/2014" This 'was' one of the 'important feminist works' of the early 70s. Fighting to 'over throw' the double standard, refusing to be subjugated into marriage, and having numerous shallow sexual encounters are all covered adnauseam in this 'biographical' account. It does not conclude with a happy ending. I, of course, read this when it was first published and I tried to like it since I was a 'part-time feminazi' myself. It is a cautionary tale and pathological study of affluence, belly button gazing and disaffected young women. "
— Maddie, 1/11/2014" really really really funny. even more modern than virginia woolf of course, and i think she gets a lot of her style from her... a must read for female jewish writers. i'm 2 out of 3 of those, i guess. "
— Helese, 1/10/2014" Incredibly light reading, but with a strong baseline of feminist thought. The protagonist, Isadora is charming, witty and shockingly sexually blunt. I think the term 'zipless-fuck' will forever remain in my minds vocabulary. "
— Emma, 1/9/2014" and i thought i was the only one who fantasized about the "zipless fuck". a lot of whining about being unhappy in love but she sure gets laid while traveling around the country. "
— Autumn, 9/25/2013" Yay for women getting to sound off on their own sexuality! Groundbreaking. "
— Glorianne, 9/14/2013" Self-important drivel "
— Yelena, 8/8/2013" feminist erotica is one of my favorite genres, it turns out "
— Nicol.the.great, 3/19/2013" Unabashedly sexual. A women who holds nothing back. A little wild for my taste, but kind of fun to read. It's pretty safe to read about someone else exploring their limits and fantasies. "
— Lee, 2/22/2013" Read this years ago and remember thinking it was terribly boring!! I doubt I could make it through the book now. "
— Melodie, 12/23/2012" Another dsappointment. "
— David, 9/13/2012" I wanted to like this book more than I did. I like the concept and the many allusions and literary references. I was just hoping for more "
— Eponymous74, 6/28/2012" I was so bored by this book & its bourgeois attitude that it took me four tries to finish it. Lousy. "
— Amy, 6/3/2012" enjoyed it many years ago when I read it. "
— Leslie, 3/11/2012" Incredible book with so much truth. Although it was wrote in the 70s, the meaning still holds true today. "
— Lisa, 11/19/2011" A seemingly self-indulgent pity party of the main character. Long tangent chapters that really did not add but detracted from the story line. "
— Danielle, 11/6/2011" didn't really get it - was probably too young... "
— Mckinley, 5/17/2011" Just what I needed, right now. "
— Cslove, 5/1/2011" One of the most perfect books I've ever read. It felt transcribed from my own brain. Love it. "
— Danielle, 3/17/2011" One of my favorite books. Erica Jong is one of the loves of my life. "
— Meghan, 3/9/2011" Okay, this book was very controversial when it first came out. I was looking forward to reading it. I really did not like it at all. It was sad and depressing. <br/>I do however, know that I am one of the few that doesn't rave about it. "
— Terri, 3/4/2011" I loved the perspective of this book. A modern couple with too many Analysts, too little actual conversation. You find yourself laughing at how ridiculous they are and then find yourself identifying with them. Oops! "
— Zoe, 2/23/2011" I've owned this book for over 10 years and I've yet to finish it. It's pretty horrible writing and the characters are...boring. I'd rather read the dictionary. "
— MrsJoseph, 2/19/2011" Every woman should read this book. "
— Suzy, 1/26/2011" Well, that's what I get for taking a book recommendation from Jen Lancaster. I should have known better. This book was more or less intellectual smut. I'm kinda ashamed to have read it, and it takes quite a bit to shame me. Oh well, that's overwith now. Back to vampires for me. "
— Annie, 1/19/2011" I should have read this in college! "
— Heidi, 1/14/2011Erica Jong is a poet, novelist, and essayist, best known for her eight New York Times bestselling novels, including Fear of Flying (which has sold twenty-seven million copies in forty languages) and Fear of Fifty. Ms. Jong is also the author of seven award-winning collections of poetry. In addition, Jong has written several nonfiction books. Her work has appeared all over the world.
Hope Davis, an actress and Earphones Award–winning narrator, has starred in more than twenty feature films, including Arlington Road, American Splendor, and Next Stop Wonderland. Also an accomplished stage actress, she earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway play God of Carnage. She was voted Best Actress in 2003 by the New York Film Critics.