Character Interview: The Vines by Shelley Nolden

About THE VINES

In the shadows of New York City lies the abandoned, forbidden North Brother Island, where the remains of a shuttered hospital hide the haunting memories of quarantines and human experiments. The ruins conceal the scarred and beautiful Cora, imprisoned there by contagions and the doctors who torment her. When Finn, a young urban explorer, arrives on the island and glimpses the enigmatic woman through the foliage, intrigue turns to obsession as he seeks to uncover her past–and his own family’s dark secrets. 

Author Shelley Nolden interviews her character Cora McSorley

So let me get this straight: you live on an abandoned island, alone, in the middle of New York City?

This won’t be published anywhere, right? Because no one can know I’m here. If anyone finds out, they’ll take me away. People will die. 

Whoa, slow down a sec. Who’s “they?” Are you their prisoner?

Just please tell me: this is staying between us, right? 

[Pause.] Basically, yes. The readers of Women Writers, Women’s Books will assume you’re fictional. Surviving—undetected—among the quarantine hospital ruins of North Brother Island for so long is an incredible feat.

Good. I work so hard to keep my existence here a secret. When it’s light out, I keep to the forest and old buildings so the Harbor Unit that patrols for neighboring Rikers doesn’t spot me. In the summers, it’s obviously easier to stay hidden. The island’s a federally protected heron preserve. Occasionally, the city park workers visit in winter but never in summer during the nesting season. I have to watch out for them, and for vandals and urban explorers. 

I’ve seen several photography collections of North Brother Island’s ruins online. It never occurred to me how stressful it must be for you when they visit. I wonder if you’re in any of the backgrounds of those photos . . .  So you’re okay with me asking you a couple questions?

[Cora smiles shyly.] A long time ago, before I was forced here, I wanted to be quoted in the papers, to be famous for doing something incredible. Is that vain? 

Not at all.

It’s just that there’s so much happening out there, in the world beyond the shores of this puny, twenty-acre spit of land. I want to be part of it, to be one of those people changing the world—not hiding from it. 

This place is a prison for me—not so different from Rikers. On that note, there have been a couple convicts over the years who’ve escaped from there and made it to this island. 

That is interesting, but, Cora, who’s forcing you to stay on North Brother? Why don’t you just flag down a passing boat?

Can we talk about something else?

Sure. What do you do for food?

I have a victory garden on the roof of the service building. My plants. They’re my greatest comfort. Do you garden? It brings me so much joy, each spring when the tender green shoots bust through the soil and reach for the sun. I always plant tomatoes, in honor of Mary Mallon who used to do the same when she lived here. They’re delicious, but my absolute favorite is my strawberries. I’m a terrible cook, but I’ve gotten the hang of canning to get me through the winters. 

Oh, and I also eat the birds. [Cora shrugs.] I need the protein. I cook them in a sun oven since there’s no electricity here and smoke from a fire would give me away. 

You must be really lonely. Unfortunately, we’ve all experienced isolation during this pandemic. But I was lucky enough to have family to quarantine with, whereas you’ve been completely alone.   

I miss them. [Cora drops her gaze and hugs the shoulder bag in her lap.] My family. So much. [She clears her throat.] And I miss what I’ve never had, too. I’ve always wanted to fall in love. That’s been one of the hardest parts. So many men beyond the East River! But even if I could return to the City, and I weren’t a danger to them, none would like me. I’m hideous. My scars . . .  

[Gasp.] No, you’re beautiful! 

I appreciate you saying that, but I know it’s not true. 

Why is it that so many women have trouble seeing their own beauty, and strength?

I don’t know about other women. My only friends are in my books. (I love reading.) But for me, I guess it’s because they’ve treated me like a lab animal. Mutt. That’s the nickname that’s bothered me the most. 

Who’s the “they”? I want to help you.

No! I don’t want you getting hurt. Please promise me you won’t do anything.

Okay, okay. Before I go, is there anything else you think I should ask?

No, but I have a question for you.

Shoot.

Has George Martin finished Winds of Winter yet? I’ve read the other books in his A Song of Ice and Fire series three times now—I have a lot of spare time—and I need to know how it all ends. 

You’re not alone in that sentiment. Unfortunately, no.

[Cora sighs.] Well, at least I haven’t been missing out on that too.

I’ll tell you what: When Winds of Winter does go on sale, I’ll find a way to get a copy to you.  

[Cora beams.]  Thank you so much. This time with you has been really amazing. If it’s not too much trouble, could I give you a list of other things I need, to bring with the book?

Of course. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Shelley Nolden is an entrepreneur and writer, now residing in Wisconsin. Previously, she lived in the New York City area, where she worked on Wall Street and first learned of North Brother Island. At the age of 31, Shelley was diagnosed with leukemia and completed treatment three years later. The sense of isolation and fear she experienced during her cancer ordeal influenced her spellbinding debut novel, THE VINES.

ABOUT THE EDITOR: Benee Knauer was the developmental editor for THE VINES.  Her other projects include editing Sarah Pekkanen’s and Greer Hendrick ‘s New York Times bestsellers, The Wife Between Us and An Anonymous Girl (a #1 New York Times bestseller) and writing and adapting the just released and critically acclaimed When They Call You A Terrorist (the YA version).

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Category: Contemporary Women Writers, On Writing