Why is Sally Rooney’s UK publisher halting sales of the anti-Israel author’s books?

Author Sally Rooney announced on Wednesday that her books will no longer be stocked in U.K. bookstores due to her support for the Palestine Action group. Rooney stated that she has been open about her beliefs and is ready to face the consequences. She claims that any further distribution of her work in the U.K. would be considered a "serious criminal offense."

Faber Publishing, her publisher, agreed to stop distributing Rooney's books in the U.K. as current legislation prevents the transfer of earnings to the author. Rooney, who supports the BDS movement, expressed solidarity with Palestine Action when the U.K. government considered labeling it a terrorist organization, which it subsequently became under the Terrorism Act 2000.

After this designation in 2025, Rooney pledged to donate her book profits to the group. Rooney canceled her acceptance of the Sky Arts Award for literature for "Intermezzo" in 2025 due to fears of arrest. Despite winning the award, her "Normal People" series, adapted for a critically acclaimed TV show, received four Emmy nominations.