Contemporary Literary Perspectives on Female Ageing

Ieva Stončikaitė holds a PhD in Literary Gerontology and English Studies from the University of Lleida. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona). Her research interests include literary and cultural representations of ageing, health humanities, dementia care ethics, age-friendly education, and travel writing.

"This book provides a multitude of interesting perspectives on Erica Jong’s writings, starting with her controversial first success with Fear of Flying, drawing out the body politics and sexualities of the late 20th century. It covers travel, turning points, parental care and dementia, and brings us up-to-date and into the 21st century with Jong’s later-life creativity. A significant intervention into contemporary literary history."Heike Hartung, University of Potsdam, Germany"Dr. Stončikaitė has written a fascinating book that highlights the value of Erica Jong’s fiction as a lens through which to explore the many challenges facing women over the course of their adult lives. It represents a major contribution to the field of literary gerontology and deserves a wide readership among all who are interested in the role of the humanities in the study of age and ageing."Chris Gilleard, Honorary Associate Professor, UCL Division of Psychiatry, UK"Ieva Stončikaitė’s Contemporary Perspectives on Female Ageing: Insights from Erica Jong is an inspiring study that illuminates the intersections of literature, feminism, and age studies. With clarity and rigor, Stončikaitė traces Erica Jong’s literary journey across decades, revealing how her work challenges ageism and reimagines female aging beyond decline narratives. Both accessible and scholarly, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in contemporary literature, gender studies, and the evolving cultural meanings of later life. A timely and compelling contribution to critical age studies."Ulla Kriebernegg, CIRAC, University of Graz, Austria

• Chapter I: Jong Takes Off with Succès de Scandale Chapter II: The Dynamics of Sexuality and Ageing Chapter III: The Grand Tour Revisited: Gondolas and Ghosts Chapter IV: Body Politics in the Anti-ageing Era Chapter V: Turning Points in Life: Motherhood and Grandmotherhood Chapter VI: Parental Bonds: Care, Grief, and Renewal Chapter VII: The Hues and Challenges of Dementia Chapter VIII: Later-life Creativity and Fearless Writing Chapter IX: Conclusions and Future Directions