First the good (and there's a lot): Flyn is a wonderful writer, and this is really a joy to read. While you would expect it to be fairly depressing to read about places that were so ravaged by conflict, pollution or other man-made catastrophes (and at times it is), there is also this surprising optimism to it all, seeing nature absolutely flourish even in the desolation. It is also immensely educational. I learned so much history of countries around the world (including my own), fascinating stories I never knew or didn't know enough about. This is one of those books that's really a pleasure to read -- fascinating, introspective, poetic and educational.

My one grudge-- I really wanted photos! Flyn is really wonderful at describing these places and in many cases it is not legal or possible to take photos. But, but.... I really wanted to see them! We get a few black and white photos at times, but I was left wanting more visuals. That said, it's a fantastic book. Recommended.

I read a digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.

If you're fascinated by ghost towns, and how nature reclaims the leftovers of human existence--and when it doesn't, you'll enjoy this book.

I've long been fascinated by abandoned places and this book really scratched that itch to learn more about the places we once inhabited, shopped, and worked. I highly recommend this one. The stories are interesting and informative. Our library will be purchasing.

I LOVED this book. I have read similar books talking about Chernobyl and the exclusion zone, but this looks at that example and more. It also doesn't solely focus on the impact on wild animals. My favorite sections were the discussion of the reforestation following the Black Death and the feral cows on the abandoned island. I have already recommended this to other readers.

Loved this book!! It was boo h engaging and haunting yet so mystical y beautiful you can't put it down!!!!!

There is something so haunting, so evocative about the places we used to live, shop and work, but that we have since abandoned. As nature slowly reclaims these structures they fascinate us and draw us to them. Flyn explores these places all across the globe, from Chernobyl to the wilds of Tanzania, she shows us how humans have left seemingly irreparable damage on our planet, and the sometimes surprising stories of ecological recovery.