Looking for Cornelius, a novella by Diana Hayes
Secrets to be uncovered. A journey of familial discovery. A once-in-a lifetime trip. Looking for Cornelius by Diana Hayes is an epic, heart-forward adventure that’s not to be missed.
Having always felt a pull to her home country of Ireland, Canadian-based music teacher Deirdre Ó hAodha welcomes the opportunity to explore her roots and bring her star pupil, Éamon O’Connor, along for the ride. Both avid fiddle players, Deirdre is thrilled to see their shared passion opening doors for Éamon, who will audition for a scholarship at Cork College University during their travels. The precise descriptions of the songs he practices, and the musical elements and lyrics within them, is notable; Hayes writes musical passages so vividly that you can almost hear the notes lift off the page, making the reader wish for an accompanying soundtrack. Together, Deirdre and Éamon share a devotion to traditional Irish fiddle that becomes the heartbeat of the novella.
The pair weaves their way across Ireland, with Hayes unfolding rich historical and cultural detail into every stop. As a silent companion along for the adventure, readers can enjoy the same cultural education, picking up information about Irish landmarks, writers, musicians, and folklore along the way. The experience is further deepened by a helpful Glossary of Irish Words and Phrases at the back of the book, a lovely touch for readers wanting to immerse themselves fully.
Lingering at the edges of the story is the novella’s namesake—Cornelius—and Deirdre’s great-grandfather. For as long as she can remember, his ghost has visited her, seeing her through good times and bad, and guiding her when she needs it most. Although Cornelius is the one who encourages Deirdre to start her journey, it is Éamon who ultimately helps her see it through. This novel is a story of mentorship, but also of mirrored growth—a mutually beneficial relationship between teacher and student, taking them both on a unique voyage of self-discovery that allows them each to explore where they came from, what they’re capable of, and where their talents can take them.
Heartwarming and enriching, Looking for Cornelius brings Ireland to life, starting with the eye-catching cover. Beautifully told and rich with emotional and cultural depth, Hayes’ novella is a must-read for lovers of Irish literature, intergenerational storytelling, and journeys that stitch the past and present together with grace. Perhaps most importantly, it carries a resonant truth that readers of all backgrounds will feel deeply: no matter how long you’ve been gone, or for how many generations, you can go home again.
—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW