Erica Jong ​

Erica Jong is an American novelist and poet, known particularly for her 1973 novel Fear of Flying. The book became famously controversial for its attitudes towards female sexuality and figured prominently in the development of second-wave feminism.

Quick Facts ​

• Known for pioneering the genre of confessional literature.
• Her first novel, Fear of Flying, sold over 37 million copies worldwide.
• Her work has been translated into over two dozen languages.
• In addition to novels, she also wrote poetry and non-fiction.
• Her writing often explores female sexuality and feminism.

Background ​

Jong was born in 1942 in New York City, to a Jewish family with roots in Russia and Poland. She attended the High School of Music & Art and studied at Barnard College, where she received a B.A. in English Literature. After graduating, she married and moved to Germany, where she continued her education at the University of Heidelberg. In 1965, she returned to New York and began working as a lecturer and a poet.

Her first novel, "Fear of Flying", was published in 1973 and gained nationwide attention for its frank and controversial discussion of female sexuality. The novel has since sold over 20 million copies worldwide. She continued to explore feminist issues in her works, including novels, non-fiction, poetry, and articles. Jong has been married four times and has one daughter. She remains active in the literary community and continues to write and publish widely.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Jong’s writing style is acknowledged for its frank and open discussion on sexuality, specifically from a woman's perspective. Her fiction is often autobiographical and written in a direct and engrossing narrative style. Her epochal novel, "Fear of Flying," combined literary quality with explicit and controversial content, helping to initiate the second wave of the feminist movement. Her work has been lauded for championing women's rights and sexual liberation.

Notable Works ​

• Fear of Flying (1973)
• How to Save Your Own Life (1977)
• Fanny (1980)
• Parachutes and Kisses (1984)
• Sappho's Leap (2003)