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A review by apriltrepagnier
Fear of Flying by Erica Jong
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As I was born three years after this book was published, I had never encountered it until it had a passing mention in the first book read by the ladies in The Book Club (which I also had not heard of until The Book Club 2 was coming out). Because I enjoyed the movie so much (and am not interested in 50 Shades), I decided to give it a go. I am thoroughly glad I did.
Jong says all the things. If you are not ready for book that criticizes men, women, religion, professions, countries, gender norms, sexuality - all of it - leave this one alone. Very early on, I picked up a pen and began marking it up. Shortly after, I wished I could sit at a bar with Jong herself.
I have read some of the other reviews that rate it far lower; they have valid points. The protagonist is a stand-in for the author (which she doesn't deny and I don't mind). Isadora has an unacknowledged position of privilege. There is a bit of self-centeredness. The taboo of female sexuality is not as explosive now as it was in the early 70s. I considered all these things and decided they meant nothing to me. Privilege does not exempt one from self loathing or worthiness challenges, many 20 somethings (and 30 and 40 and 80 somethings) have some self centeredness about them. Sexuality and hidden fantasies are still problematic for a great many people and Jong did tackle it all in 70s (even if I am just getting to it now). In the end, it still gets all the stars.
Jong says all the things. If you are not ready for book that criticizes men, women, religion, professions, countries, gender norms, sexuality - all of it - leave this one alone. Very early on, I picked up a pen and began marking it up. Shortly after, I wished I could sit at a bar with Jong herself.
I have read some of the other reviews that rate it far lower; they have valid points. The protagonist is a stand-in for the author (which she doesn't deny and I don't mind). Isadora has an unacknowledged position of privilege. There is a bit of self-centeredness. The taboo of female sexuality is not as explosive now as it was in the early 70s. I considered all these things and decided they meant nothing to me. Privilege does not exempt one from self loathing or worthiness challenges, many 20 somethings (and 30 and 40 and 80 somethings) have some self centeredness about them. Sexuality and hidden fantasies are still problematic for a great many people and Jong did tackle it all in 70s (even if I am just getting to it now). In the end, it still gets all the stars.