How to 'express almost inexpressible feelings'

 

“People always think that history proceeds in a straight line. It doesn't. Social attitudes don't change in a straight line. There's always a backlash against progressive ideas.” – Erica Jong

 

Born in New York City on March 26, 1942 Jong is a satirist, poet and novelist, best known for her novels Fear of Flying, which has sold nearly 40 million copies worldwide, and the award-winning Shylock’s Daughter. 

 

Jong earned degrees from Barnard and Columbia, where she majored in English Literature, and started writing for magazines and journals before trying her hand at fiction.  Fear of Flying was her first effort and catapulted her into a successful lifelong career, authoring 11 novels, 8 nonfiction books, and 7 books of poetry.  Her body of work has earned her the United Nations’ Award for Excellence in Literature.

 

Jong said that despite her great success with fiction, she enjoys poetry best.  Her most recent book of poems is The World Began With Yes.  

 

“In poetry you can express almost inexpressible feelings,” she said.   “You can express the pain of loss; you can express love. People always turn to poetry when someone they love dies; when they fall in love.”