Published in June 2013, “Fear of Our Father: The True Story of Abuse, Murder, and Family Ties by Stacey M. Kananen and Lisa Bonnice,” is a haunting memoir that chronicles one woman’s journey through unimaginable trauma, betrayal, and survival. It is both a true crime story and a personal testament to resilience after being accused of a crime she didn’t commit.
Is Fear of Our Father a True Story?
Yes, Fear of Our Father is a true story. Written by Stacey Kananen and Lisa Bonnice, it recounts Stacey’s real-life experiences growing up in a home overshadowed by abuse and fear. Her father, Richard Kananen Sr., was violent and controlling, creating an environment that shaped Stacey and her brother, Rickie, in tragic ways.
The book details not just their traumatic childhood, but also the shocking series of events that followed; including the murders of their parents and Stacey’s own wrongful accusation.
What Is Fear of Our Father About?
At its core, “Fear of Our Father” is more than a murder story; it’s a memoir about survival and justice. The 400-page book, published by Berkley on June 4, 2013, exposes the psychological toll of domestic abuse, the damage it leaves behind, and the complex web of family loyalty and betrayal.
Through Stacey’s eyes, readers witness the horror of growing up under tyranny, the confusion of misplaced guilt, and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s voice.
What Is the Message of Fear of Our Father?
The memoir aims to shine a light on the lasting effects of child abuse and encourage others to speak out before it’s too late. Stacey Kananen has expressed that her goal is to use her story to advocate for systemic change in how abuse cases are handled in the courts.
She also hopes to create the Marilyn Kananen Foundation, named in honor of her mother, to support children and families affected by domestic violence.
Who Wrote Fear of Our Father?
The book was co-authored by Lisa Bonnice, an award-winning writer and former MSNBC.com producer. Lisa has received multiple Excellence Awards from MSNBC and has written both self-help and fiction works.
Her collaboration with Stacey helped bring the story to national attention, balancing emotional depth with factual reporting, especially given that Lisa, by way of her profession as a writer, had a bit more flair than Stacey probably did, at the time the book was written.
What Happened to Stacey Kananen’s Parents?
In 1988, Richard Kananen Sr. disappeared from the family’s home in Orlando, Florida. For Stacey Kananen, her mother Marilyn, and brother, Rickie, his absence was a relief; so much so that they didn’t report him missing.
Fifteen years later to the day, their mother Marilyn Kananen also vanished. Suspicion soon fell on Rickie, who eventually confessed to Stacey that he had murdered their father and buried him beneath the garage floor, and later buried their mother in Stacey’s backyard.
This revelation shattered Stacey’s world; but it wasn’t the end of her ordeal.
Why Did Rickie Kananen Accuse His Sister Stacey?
After his confession, Rickie Kananen convinced Stacey Kananen that they should end their lives together. The suicide attempt failed, and Stacey woke up to find Rickie arrested. What she didn’t expect was what came next.
Just before his 2007 trial, Rickie turned on his sister, claiming she had been an accomplice in both murders. Investigators, led by an eager young detective, pursued Stacey as if she were guilty. She was arrested and charged with murder, forcing her into a years-long legal and emotional battle.
Was Stacey Kananen Found Guilty?
No; Stacey Kananen was found not guilty. The evidence against her failed to hold up, and the truth about her brother’s manipulation and her family’s abusive past emerged during the trial.
The verdict brought relief, but not closure. Stacey’s life had been upended by a system that failed to protect her as a child and nearly condemned her as an adult.
After her acquittal, she decided to share her story publicly, determined to help others break free from cycles of abuse and silence.
Where Is Stacey Kananen Now?
Following her acquittal, Stacey Kananen continues to advocate for abuse survivors. She has dedicated her life to raising awareness about domestic violence, childhood trauma, and the failures of the legal system. Her long-term mission remains the same: to help prevent what happened to her and her family from happening to others.
Why Fear of Our Father Still Matters?
More than a decade after its release, “Fear of Our Father” remains one of the most compelling memoirs in the true crime genre. It is a painful but necessary story that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths; that justice isn’t always straightforward, and that surviving one’s own family can sometimes be the hardest fight of all.
Book Details
- Title: Fear of Our Father: The True Story of Abuse, Murder, and Family Ties
- Authors: Stacey M. Kananen & Lisa Bonnice
- Published: June 4, 2013
- Publisher: Berkley
- Pages: 400
- ISBN: 9780425258736
- Price: $9.99 (Mass Market Paperback)
- Ebook: $4.99
- Genre: True Crime / Biography & Memoir
