Abandoned Southern Virginia: The South Begins Here by Liz Roll

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

The intriguing cover invited me to pick up this book. This is a book that’s difficult to review because it is very much a visual experience.  It’s a collection of arresting photographs of abandoned places in Virginia, from ghost towns to factories to schools.  The photographer does an amazing job of lighting a scene, making faded colors pop even as they show wear and neglect. 

I was mesmerized by the book.  It’s obvious that Roll is a gifted photographer, with an artist’s eye for detail.  I spent a lot of time poring over pictures, enjoying the color, details, and the vibe—sometimes a bit creepy, sometimes sad, sometimes mysterious.  Some of the places are said to be haunted, such as Union Level, a place I had never heard of before but which claims to be the most photographed ghost town in Virginia.

Sometimes there is only a limited amount of text to a section. I admit to being disappointed at times at the dearth of information about a place or shot—some places aren’t really identified, perhaps to keep people away.  Some sections do have text that places the structures in historical context, such as how desegregation led to the closure of a specific school. On the other hand, some sites such as the old factories have a good introduction which gave me a greater appreciation for the photos.  Naturally, some of the abandoned places have acquired a bit of graffiti, some of which is artistic in its own right. The other thing I would really have liked to see would have been a little map to give at least a general idea of where these places are located.

But those are minor things beside the photographs.  These images are really memorable and amazing, and I recommend this book.