(Ms.)reading Erica Jong's Fear of Flying

Opens with remarks on the profound literary & social impact of Erica Jong's Fear of Flying (1973), then provides a synopsis & the author's negative reaction to the novel while rereading thirty-five years after its original publication. The novel's concluding epiphany is rejected as unconvincing & facile, & thus the novel itself is deemed disappointing, even a feminist copout. How the book appealed to so many women over the years is then considered, concluding that the main character, Isadora Wing (seen to be based heavily on Jong), is intrepid, indomitable, & having fun, all things that Jong wants her audience to be. D. Edelman. Adapted from the source document.