UK bookstores scramble as Sally Rooney novels withdrawn over Palestine group support
Also reported by France24
Summary
Irish author Sally Rooney's books are no longer sold in the U.K. because she supports Palestine Action, a group banned as a terrorist organization. Her U.K. publisher stopped distributing her books to avoid breaking the law after she said her book earnings would support the group.Key Facts
- Sally Rooney is an Irish novelist known for popular books like "Normal People" and "Conversations with Friends."
- Rooney supports Palestine Action, a U.K.-based group banned as terrorist in 2025.
- The U.K. government made supporting or being part of Palestine Action a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
- Rooney announced she would donate proceeds from her books to Palestine Action after the ban.
- Her U.K. publisher, Faber, decided to stop distributing her books to comply with the law.
- Existing stock of Rooney’s books can still be sold in U.K. bookstores, but no new copies are available from the publisher.
- Palestine Action opposes U.K. military support for Israel and has taken direct action, including damaging property linked to Israeli military companies.
- The situation has caused concern and debate about censorship and free speech in the U.K.
