The Barricade by Stephanie Ellis

Book Review

Dave Jeffery

Perhaps best known for her speculative poetry, short stories and the Five Turns of the Wheel folk horror series, Stephanie Ellis’ The Barricade is a significant departure, presenting a dystopian/apocalyptic tale of segregation, deep-rooted prejudice, and political/scientific subterfuge.

Set 20 years after a deadly flu-like virus has eradicated a significant portion of the population, we are introduced to a timid new world where the resurgence of humanity is beginning to gain a tentative foothold. Our chief protagonist is Faith, a woman with high standing in the community, a council member who spends large portions of her time patrolling the compound and the titular Barricade¾a huge wall of accrued junk that has been built around a bunker complex where¾at World’s End¾a core group of chosen individuals bailed, leaving those above (many of whom are blood relatives) to fend for themselves. As such, the hardship of those early years of survival, and a deep sense of rejection, has established an ethic whereby the Barricade makes sure those in the bunkers stay there, both a statement to abandonment, and punishment for forsaking their kin. When events occur indicating that the exiled wish to reestablish contact with those outside with a view to returning to the surface, higher echelons of the council attempt to oust Faith in order to support the proposal, despite established laws to the contrary. Thus begins a series of events that spiral into a fascinating mix of confrontation and betrayal, with an even greater threat yet to be unveiled below ground.   

It is true to say that Ellis has made sure that the inconsistencies and vulnerabilities of the human condition remain at the heart of The Barricade. Either through the not-so-subtle devaluation of the older person, particularly women, by their younger, male counterparts, or the lived-experiences of menopause, be that personally or at the behest of others. Yet it would be unfair to say that feminism is the core theme of this story. Whilst the behaviours of some male characters demonstrate the haplessness of man and the temptations of power absolute, there is no preaching on show; it is merely part of the unfolding (and in some instances the inevitable deterioration) of relationships born from disfunction. This is underpinned by the psychological contentions of grief and rejection. What we have is a community forged by profound loss, now fuelled by an insidious hatred for those who abandoned them. There’s bound to be overspill, and there certainly is. Relationship conflicts above ground, especially those between Faith and Howard¾the elected, underhand council leader¾are nicely done, and the worldbuilding is solid. For example, the laws and by-laws (and the community advocacy for them) make perfect sense. Plus, the leftfield reasons for what has been going on below ground for the past 20 years, and ultimately the reasons why those in the bunker now want out, is the stuff of vintage Quatermass. There’s a bit of an exposition dump in the final third, but its delivery is well handled and keeps the reader engaged, making the meld of dystopia and science fiction a comfortable fit.

Overall, The Barricade is an exciting, fast-paced read that leads the reader through a world that feels honest, with interesting characters, and an inventive premise. A must for fans of dystopian tales, science fiction, and skin-crawling body horror.