Erica Jong: Fear of Dying, Royal Festival Hall

Erica Jong’s debut novel Fear of Flying is often heralded as a feminist milestone. Published in 1973, it was a much-needed work, dealing frankly and forthrightly with female sexuality. Following a young poet named Isadora Wing, it is an uncompromising chronicle of desire in all its complexity. It retains much of its relevance today, having sold some twenty million copies to date.

With her most recent novel, Jong has come full circle. Fear of Dying tells the story of sixty-something Vanessa Wonderman as she negotiates the travails of aging, mortality, and sexuality in the era of online dating.

On Sunday 1 November, the Southbank Centre marks the novel’s release in spectacular fashion. First on the programme are a series of readings from Sandi Toksvig, Gemma Cairney and more. Then, the main event: Jong joins Jude Kelly, director of Women of the World festival, to discuss her life’s work and enduring artistic preoccupations.