The Only Thing to Fear in ENGL 596 / EDCI 551

Apr 02, 2015 Michelle rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Caroline Tung Richmond's The Only Thing to Fear was a bit of a let down for me. When I saw that it was a history rewritten novel, set in a world where the Nazi's prevailed in WWII, I was super excited about reading it! I mean, what sort of potential DOESN'T a book with that storyline have? However, lack of believable characterization, some curious plot holes in the timeline, and a plethora of remorseless killing was a bit off putting for my tastes.

Perhaps I judge it so harshly because I held hig ...more

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Mar 11, 2015 Hannah Alexander rated it it was ok

The Only Thing to Fear by Caroline Richmond is a unique concept in the sense that she imagines an America where Nazi Germany won the WWII. I can honestly say that I thought it was creative, but I also thought that I would enjoy reading it more than I did. Maybe I am tainted by pop culture reading, but this text reminded me too much of the Hunger Games as well as Divergent. Awful government with a need for an uprising has been done time and time again, especially recently.

I think that if the text The Only Thing to Fear by Caroline Richmond is a unique concept in the sense that she imagines an America where Nazi Germany won the WWII. I can honestly say that I thought it was creative, but I also thought that I would enjoy reading it more than I did. Maybe I am tainted by pop culture reading, but this text reminded me too much of the Hunger Games as well as Divergent. Awful government with a need for an uprising has been done time and time again, especially recently.

I think that if the text had a different plot construct and did not focus on the rebellion as much it would have been better. Richmond could have spent more time on the character development and everyday living. I found that the text that re-described parts of history were written to be the most exciting. I think that this text was set up to create this alternative reality and instead focused on elements that often felt disconnected.

Another thing I considered while reading this text was the believability. I find that those that are brave enough to rewrite history should do a better job at making the reader believe the reality. I have never tried to rewrite history and I have not read many text that have, so I am doing my best not to criticize too much. With that in mind, I found that this text was really extreme. Maybe I am caught up in a reality that does not allow me to picture a United States that would allow such criminal behavior, (although I know we are nowhere near perfect.) I feel as though it was Richmond’s job to convince me, and she simply did not.

With all things considered I believe that this text would interest young readers in the classroom. I think that if you can engage readers with the Hunger Games and Divergent, they may also like The Only Thing to fear. Although, it repetitive theme is what turned me off as a reader however; many readers enjoy specific genres and don’t like to stray. If I can interest a kid to read a text on their own, it’s comparable to gold.

So this book may not have made it on my favorite’s shelf, but I can recognize its potential value to readers and the English classroom.
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Mar 09, 2015 Mykala rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The Only Thing to Fear by Caroline Richmond gives readers a glimpse into the world as it might appear if Hitler had won WWII instead of the allies. The Nazis party controls everything from food distribution to genetic mutations and is utilizing their power to take over. Zara, a mix of English and Japanese descent, is forced to work at the military academy and is constantly reminded that she is ranked below those of Aryan blood. Despite this Zara dreams of a better future, free from Nazis rule, a The Only Thing to Fear by Caroline Richmond gives readers a glimpse into the world as it might appear if Hitler had won WWII instead of the allies. The Nazis party controls everything from food distribution to genetic mutations and is utilizing their power to take over. Zara, a mix of English and Japanese descent, is forced to work at the military academy and is constantly reminded that she is ranked below those of Aryan blood. Despite this Zara dreams of a better future, free from Nazis rule, a day that might come sooner than she thinks. Trouble is brewing as Alliance groups rise up and rebels are executed in the square. Zara has to decide if she can rise above the fear she lives with everyday in order to do what’s right. Situations arise that force Zara to expose her true self and search for inner strength in order to defeat the Nazis party. The allies might have a second chance to achieve freedom in this altered world.

This novel has a fascinating backdrop and intriguing elements but there are several things that didn’t work in my opinion. I found the time frames in this novel a touch unrealistic and hard to follow. I couldn’t tell if Zara was in the prison for a week or if she trained everyone for a battle overnight, for me it was unclear. I feel like the side characters are fairly two-dimensional and don’t always add depth to Zara’s story. This made it hard for me to connect to parts of the story because I hadn’t developed a relationship with the characters that died. Readers who aren’t connecting with the characters can’t get as much out of the book.

Components of this book reminded me of the Hunger Games trilogy. When the people were told to gather in the square to hear an important message from the Fuhrer it drew comparisons to the Capital in the Hunger Games. I was also reminded of Katniss who became the face of her rebellion unexpectedly as Zara does in this story. I think this speaks to the mass appeal of alternative dystopias that readers of all ages seem to find intriguing.

Overall I enjoyed the fast paced action that kept me turning the pages but feel like this book is not one I’d recommend.

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Mar 12, 2015 Nancy C rated it it was ok

The Only Thing to Fear, by Caroline Richmond, twists historical events of the past. The "bad guys" win, instead of the "good guys." WWII is won by the Germans and Japanese, instead of the Allies. The protagonist, Zara, lives I this world. She is half English, half Japanese, has no friends and is shunned by anyone outside her family. Her dream is to join the rebellion like her mother and uncle. She meets Bastian--the son of a highly ranked soldier for the Nazis. Bastian hates his dad and joins th ...more

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Mar 12, 2015 Michelle Parsons rated it it was ok

Shelves: ya-lit

I had high hopes for The Only Thing to Fear. I am a big fan of WWII stories, and a fan of science fiction. But it was not what I hoped for.
The premise was fascinating; the Nazis and Axis powers win World War II and divide up North America, Europe, and Africa. The Soviet Union keeps to their non-aggression pact with Germany. The world building was realistic based on my understanding of Nazi Germany. The separation of the Nazi upper classes from the American population in the lower, working class I had high hopes for The Only Thing to Fear. I am a big fan of WWII stories, and a fan of science fiction. But it was not what I hoped for.
The premise was fascinating; the Nazis and Axis powers win World War II and divide up North America, Europe, and Africa. The Soviet Union keeps to their non-aggression pact with Germany. The world building was realistic based on my understanding of Nazi Germany. The separation of the Nazi upper classes from the American population in the lower, working classes seemed accurate. The shortened schooling available to Zara, the use of German, the description of the punishments for rebellion, and even the small details about the types of cars and technology available in that world really brought me into the society and the situation.
However, that is just about where the good things ended. The Nazis won the war with super-soldiers. Literally, soldiers with super powers. The powers seem to be random, with healing, shapeshifting, element control, weather control, and flying all appearing. The small detail that it supposedly makes the soldier so modified genetically unstable that many of them die very soon means that (view spoiler).
Zara felt like a character that is known as a Mary Sue in fanfiction. Racially half-other, discriminated against, but scrappy. Overpowered, with a tragic backstory, and under-developed as a character. (view spoiler) The relationship between Zara and Bastian is kind of silly, but that can be overlooked. Zara's emotional scarring, which was hinted at, never developed into something real.
The Four were overcome too easily. The whole episode with the Fuhrer was ridiculous, overcomplicated and under-explained. Overall, I just felt the only character who had any dimension was Uncle Red, and even he fell somewhat flat. It seemed that the characters in this book, even when feeling complex emotions, never expressed more than one at a time. He was determined. He was scared. He was proud. He was in mourning. I never saw any complexity. Maybe that was Zara's frustrated and angsty point of view, but it made it difficult to connect to any of the characters, which made the plot fall even flatter. ...more

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Mar 12, 2015 Lauren H. rated it liked it

Caroline Tung Richmond’s The Only Thing to Fear is basically a book in which The Hunger Games meets WWII. I enjoyed this book for the most part. It portrays a science-fiction version of the world as it might have been if Hitler won the war, but it always maintains a glimmer of hope that freedom is a possibility that can and will come one day. The fast-paced, action packed narrative made it pretty enjoyable to read, and I think the third-person omniscient narration works well to tell the story ef Caroline Tung Richmond’s The Only Thing to Fear is basically a book in which The Hunger Games meets WWII. I enjoyed this book for the most part. It portrays a science-fiction version of the world as it might have been if Hitler won the war, but it always maintains a glimmer of hope that freedom is a possibility that can and will come one day. The fast-paced, action packed narrative made it pretty enjoyable to read, and I think the third-person omniscient narration works well to tell the story effectively while still making room for Zara’s (the main character) introspective thoughts.

One thing I really appreciate about the book is its ability to break the “boxes” that so often confine people. “Nazis” aren’t always evil, and just because someone isn’t one of the “bad guys” doesn’t make them “good,” either. The fact that “good people” can be cruel is specifically demonstrate through Zara’s treatment from town people and others she works with, who call her “Kami” and frown upon the fact that she is bi-racial. Furthermore, Bastian, the son of a Nazi Colonel, defies Zara’s expectations and in turn becomes one of her biggest allies. Zara must wrestle with and redefine her expectations of people, and I think Richmond does an excellent job creating Zara’s inner-dialogue.

The novel also doesn’t diminish the role of adults, either, and I enjoyed its ability to demonstrate how adults and children can and must work together in order to fully affect change. The novel also doesn’t create adults into simple flat, supporting characters. Uncle Red’s character, for instance, illuminates the depth that adults have, even if children don’t always completely understand the adult’s thoughts/actions. Also, the leaders of the revolution, although they are younger adults, must work in tandem with teenage Zara in order to make the change they want to see in the world.

Without giving too much away, I will say that I am still toggling between my reactions to the end of the book, especially in terms of how young people might read it. Is violence the answer? And what are the effects (if any) of showing violence-driven solutions to young people? I think the emphasis on society’s revolution is empowering to people, but I’m still working through my thoughts on having a young girl be the poster child and pinnacle of the revolution.

The greatest downfall of this book is that it doesn’t seem completely original. It feels like other books that I have read, and there really aren’t any exciting and unanticipated turns of events within the plot. I would have enjoyed more set-backs to the rebel’s plots, and perhaps a few more unexpected turns. Still, as a whole, though, is a vividly written, quick-paced, thought-provoking book; I found it enjoyable, and I recommend it to other readers, especially those who are interested in both history and books like The Hunger Games.
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Mar 08, 2015 Morgan rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The Only Thing to Fear is set in a post-WWII world where the Nazis won. Readers follow Zara, a half-Japanese, half-American girl as she struggles the strict restraints of the Nazi regime in America (knwon as the Territories).

The concept for this novel had plenty of potential. What IF Hitler had won WWII? Yes, the world would be incredibly different. Do I think it would be as drastically different as portrayed in The Only Thing to Fear? No. Hitler reigned in terror. While that definitely rang tr The Only Thing to Fear is set in a post-WWII world where the Nazis won. Readers follow Zara, a half-Japanese, half-American girl as she struggles the strict restraints of the Nazi regime in America (knwon as the Territories).

The concept for this novel had plenty of potential. What IF Hitler had won WWII? Yes, the world would be incredibly different. Do I think it would be as drastically different as portrayed in The Only Thing to Fear? No. Hitler reigned in terror. While that definitely rang true here, Nazism is not a strong enough to govern the word for a long period of time. I struggled to accept some of the details that Richmond decided to include. One of those details included the concept of Anomalies and Dual Anomalies. Once I realized what she was attempting to do with these "super-soldiers," I was stuck with the concept of Captain America. The novel began to seem like a YA-spin-off of a popular graphic novel/movie after the introduction of the Anomalies.

It's fair to say that this novel did not impress me. I expected more from such an intruiging concept. Does it still have use in the classroom? Of course it does. While there may be other (historically accurate) texts that better represent what would have happened had Hitler ruled, they are not geared specifically toward a teenage audience. The Only Thing to Fear offers an avenue into the idea of a completely different history of our same world. It is a mirror. From this glimpse of history, students can choose to accept or reject the world that Richmond has given them on the premise of fiction or they can choose to begin to do their own research into what the world would really have looked like. This novel offers a starting point for students who are interested in history, but are usually hesitant or resistant readers.

The Only Thing to Fear offers a beginnger's look into fascism. The characters involved are quite obviously not practicing our American form of capitalism. Students should question how this alternate system of government works and if it could work long-term across a large empire. Compared with other WWII texts (Between Shades of Gray, The Diary of Anne Frank), students can begin to form an idea of social organization, government, and how and why the world ended up as it is today as opposed to Richmond's view of the world ruled by an Axis victory. ...more

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Feb 28, 2015 Jung Han rated it really liked it

In this novel, the author presents historical and social problems in every aspect: mixed race issue and racism, social status and class, nationalism and genocide, and historical tragedy. Despite the hopeless surroundings under the harsh rule of the Nazis and the discrimination based on the racial heritage and social status, Zara dreams of a better world free from oppression and injustice. Through Zara, readers can experience how it would be painful and horrible to live in a world without freedom In this novel, the author presents historical and social problems in every aspect: mixed race issue and racism, social status and class, nationalism and genocide, and historical tragedy. Despite the hopeless surroundings under the harsh rule of the Nazis and the discrimination based on the racial heritage and social status, Zara dreams of a better world free from oppression and injustice. Through Zara, readers can experience how it would be painful and horrible to live in a world without freedom and live a life deprived of everything even hope. While describing Zara’s struggling fighting for justice, this historical fiction reveals brutality committed in Nazi controlled society and the cruelty of totalitarianism and social oppression during the World War II.
Even though this book does not describe history in depth, and the historical consideration in this novel is insufficient with the restriction of an alternate history, readers still can explore important massages throughout the story.In the part of the story, in which the Nazis cultivate genetically engineered super soldiers and only Aryans are allowed to be Anomalies while the others are executed, the author argues nationalism through systematic racism and genocide.
The historical fiction has a merit in that it could disclose social and historical problems such as nationalism, racism, and classism, which are still embedded in modern society. In comparison with history or historical nonfiction, historical fiction usually gives more fun with a bit of history as well as fictional characters or events that maximize enjoyment of the story. This book, The only Thing to Fear provides historical consciousness effectively by mixing action and fantasy into speculative and plausible premise of an alternative history. This novel, as a historical fiction, leads readers to ponder upon the problems of the past that we should pay attention. People, especially young adults, are responsible for making our future world better, so finding truth in the historical novel is important in that it supports people have right view of the future through providing unforgettable lessons from history. ...more

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Feb 16, 2015 Logan rated it it was ok

In The Only Thing to Fear, Caroline Tung Richmond explores what the world might look like had the Nazi regime won World War II. The novel takes place in the now-broken United States, which has been splintered into various factions ruled by the Japanese, Italians, and Germans. The main character, Zara St. James, lives in Nazi-controlled territory, and spends her entire life existing in the margins. An American, Zara is permanently divorced from her Nazi overlords; half-Japanese, she finds herself In The Only Thing to Fear, Caroline Tung Richmond explores what the world might look like had the Nazi regime won World War II. The novel takes place in the now-broken United States, which has been splintered into various factions ruled by the Japanese, Italians, and Germans. The main character, Zara St. James, lives in Nazi-controlled territory, and spends her entire life existing in the margins. An American, Zara is permanently divorced from her Nazi overlords; half-Japanese, she finds herself additionally split from the other people in the town, who despise her Japanese heritage. As a liminal character, Zara offers a great deal of potential for growth, but Tung Richmond fails to capitalize on the possibilities and leaves us with a flat character who changes very little throughout the course of the novel.

The novel's concept leans heavily on what could be an interestingly-inverted notion of American exceptionalism -- having buckled under Nazi pressure, the former United States is now nothing more than another batch of colonial states for the Axis powers -- but again, The Only Thing to Fear returns to the safer space of drawing deep connections between Americana and freedom. The non-Nazi characters in the book (members of "the Alliance," an anti-Axis group reminiscent of the Allied powers of WWII) have one focus and one focus only: to oust the German oppressors and return the United States to its former freed state. This relatively flat level of characterization reflects the rest of the book: it reads like an Americana fanfiction, dedicated to professing the glories of what is American through intensely maligning the character of oppositional forces.

This isn't to suggest any kind of benevolence or righteousness behind the Nazi or Japanese regimes of WWII; indeed, the Japanese and Nazi regimes of WWII were responsible for some of the most horrific crimes against humanity across history. However, Tung Richmond's portrayal of the regimes in The Only Thing to Fear is actually so flat and built around caricature that it very nearly undermines her (quite noble, in my Westernized perspective) intent to demonstrate the value of freedom and equality. ...more

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Jan 23, 2015 Jawaria rated it liked it

'The Only Thing to Fear' beckons for more than it actually delivers. I had expected to read an interesting and gripping piece of revisionist history. Instead I got somewhat of a different experience - maybe half-baked, unrealistic and flat in places. But then perhaps I perceived it as such because I have already encountered 'Divergent' and 'Hunger Games', perhaps the formula is getting old? Perhaps no astonishing new angle was given to Zara's character besides having superpowers. Or perhaps I wa 'The Only Thing to Fear' beckons for more than it actually delivers. I had expected to read an interesting and gripping piece of revisionist history. Instead I got somewhat of a different experience - maybe half-baked, unrealistic and flat in places. But then perhaps I perceived it as such because I have already encountered 'Divergent' and 'Hunger Games', perhaps the formula is getting old? Perhaps no astonishing new angle was given to Zara's character besides having superpowers. Or perhaps I was just expecting too much from the book and judged it too harshly. After all undertaking the task of revising history with Hitler and the Nazis as victors is a heavy responsibility to live up to - we expect too much. The author did explain a fairly reasonable plot-line and history. Hence, I did enjoy reading it and following the actively developing events that unfolded and the complex links suggested. It's a good book, a nice read, but nothing extraordinary, no special or new revelation. I also felt that the base of building the revised historical context in which Zara's story is placed, needed better development and detailed sketching. The concept of anomalies and dual-anomalies was interesting but disturbing at the same time. The mere thought of genetic experimentation on humans to create super-powered soldiers for vicious crimes is scary and disturbing, especially when we learn that many of them perished.

Language use helped in conveying Zara's conflicting thoughts, especially about concealing her special powers, controlling her body as a dual anomaly and repressing the urge within her to join the Alliance with fervour, in obedience to Uncle Red's orders. I enjoyed the pace and happenings of the narrative. The action-filled scenes and tense moments of who would survive in a deathly fight, as well as the initial terror of getting caught, were all engaging aspects. I also liked her linking with Bastian, which sent the message that tyrants do not necessarily breed tyrants and there is always hope for change or exceptions. Zara was aptly cautious at first but then saw the true side of Bastian. In this sense, the novel taught the importance of looking beneath layers, giving chances, and that flowers can bloom on piles of dirt as long as they face the sun, or cling to what is right. There is a miserable reality at start with the rule of the Hitler dynasty and all havoc that has resulted. There is oppression, resistance and intense fighting. In the end, there is hope, there are glad tidings of where things may lead. There is discovery of strength, and even though it is just the beginning of change and much work to be done, there is possibility. Superpowers may be exaggerated in works of fiction, but they are in essence a means of reaching higher, a special ability. In today's context such exist in various forms, be it the alley of social media or one's natural talents that can speak volumes.

Again, I found this book very similar to 'Divergent'. Zara's full character, her dual-anomaly status and its threat to her life, her battles and triumphs, and her relationship with Bastian, none other than the Colonel's son - were all too similar to Divergent for me. Maybe I didn't accept the sci-fi factor in a novel of revisionist 'history' as we tend to only associate sci-fi with futuristic depictions. Overall, it was a fun story to read, filled with a good dose of action (movie-like) that kept me engaged, along with a different look at how history could have unfolded. ...more

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Feb 26, 2015 Jacob Mroczkiewicz rated it did not like it

What a disappointment. I was so intrigued by the prospect of this novel and couldn't wait to pick it up, but once I did I felt myself wilt a little with each passing chapter. Don't get me wrong, this is a good YA novel, but I had such high hopes for it -- hopes that unfortunately set the bar a bit too high. Revisionist history is one of my favorite sub-genres (though I have not come across many such texts); the idea of it seemed to be greater than the actual product. So many opportunities were l What a disappointment. I was so intrigued by the prospect of this novel and couldn't wait to pick it up, but once I did I felt myself wilt a little with each passing chapter. Don't get me wrong, this is a good YA novel, but I had such high hopes for it -- hopes that unfortunately set the bar a bit too high. Revisionist history is one of my favorite sub-genres (though I have not come across many such texts); the idea of it seemed to be greater than the actual product. So many opportunities were left on the table with this novel. I couldn't help but think that Richmond took the easy road with this novel, and while I would recommend it to readers in grades 7-9, I don't envision myself revisiting this text.

In this re-imagining of American and world history, Richmond depicts an Axis stronghold on the globe and the subsequent resistance that strives to unseat Nazi rule in the "American Territories" and other such places in the world. The protagonist, Zara, a half-Japanese daughter of an Alliance Resistance member, manifests powers that were brought to life by Nazi genetic experiments. She ultimately plays a pivotal role in American resistance against Her oppressors, falling in love and finding an inner Truth of her own in the process. So, yeah, it has all of the typical YA influences -- resistance against normativity, struggle for power, struggling against "otherness", partaking in adventures during which one learns about oneself and the context in which one exists. I just feel like other texts that I have read this semester did a better job of portraying these aspects of identity formation, which has proven to be the lifeblood of all the YA pieces I've encountered thus far.

I think that this is roughly the 57th text (intentional hyperbole) that has riffed on T.S. Elliot's quote of "Do I dare disturb the Universe?" Not only is this sentiment central to much of literary characters, but it seems as if it is often times the central question which YA literature characters seek to answer. The same quote was taped to Jerry's locker in The Chocolate War, John Green's characters often strive to answer the inscrutable questions surrounding loss, love, and despair, Mariette Bonner's "The Purple Flower" was centered around resistance against institutionalized oppression, Ness' characters are uncovering truths that were withheld from them throughout their development. I think Elliot was on to something here.

Like I said, I would gladly give this text to students in grades 7-9, but I don't think that the vanilla plot structure and character development would do much for any older students. Perhaps this text could be used for older students who are exhibiting characteristics of being reluctant or resistant readers, but I think devoting time to this in a conceptual unit may prove to be a waste of class time. In order to justify to myself the use of this text in the classroom, it would have to be structured in accordance with related texts of contrasting difficulty levels, perhaps within a unit that focused on resistance (which is an intriguing prospect in itself). It may also be useful in literature circles or book clubs, as well. So, I guess that this text does have some value. It is quite possible that my prematurely high hopes for this novel just set it up for failure in my mind.

Side note: When I write my own revisionist history novel (baseless aspirations abound!) I don't think that I'll be referencing this one except for how I don't want to write it. Sorry, Richmond. Just being honest. ...more

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