A Beautifully Broken Virginia

by Plashal, John

High Quality color photography of abandoned place with some narrative.

385 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[K. McDevitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the library yesterday, I spotted this collection of photographs of abandoned places in my state. I checked it out and slowly read it in one sitting this morning. I almost wish my first read through had been in the dark, at night, to lend some spookiness to it. But there was something strangely magical about seeing these gorgeous abandoned places photographed in the daylight. The stark contrasts of fields, sky, and sun against roofs missing shingles, rotting wood, and doors off their hinges is strangely appealing. I especially loved the interior shots. I felt drawn to those shelves still lined with books, the stairs people once climbed, and the chairs where so many people once sat. What history these places have endured, and now they stand abandoned but not alone. Nature and the elements creep in. Time has its way. Paint peels and vines grow in.

Each one of these photos feels so perfect it could be staged rather than just skillfully captured. Each one is a work of beauty and sorrow wrapped together.

[Suzanne LaPierre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of stunning photographs of abandoned and decaying properties around the state of Virginia. I only wish the author had included more information about the locations and backgrounds of the buildings or regions.

[Nancy Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully laid out book depicting John's incredible eye and talent as both a photographer and artist. Visually, this book is thoroughly engaging with vibrant colors and details to these places that John has photographed. I HIGHLY recommend.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful and haunting photographs of crumbling houses throughout rural Virginia. The captions were lacking in useful information, but the photos were very good.

[Jean Crown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The photographs in this book are absolutely haunting! It is amazing how beautiful these buildings can be, even in their decline.