Irish author Sally Rooney, known globally for her novel and Hulu series 'Normal People,' has had all her works withdrawn from the UK market. This decision follows Rooney's announcement that she would donate her book royalties to a pro-Palestine group designated as a terrorist organization by the UK government, prompting her publisher to cease sales due to legal constraints.
On October 14, Faber & Faber, Rooney's UK publisher, officially announced that all of her works would no longer be supplied or sold in the UK. This includes print books, e-books, and audiobooks. The publisher explained in a statement, "Due to current UK law, we are unable to pay Rooney any proceeds from sales in the UK. It is unacceptable for us to sell her books without being able to provide her with fair compensation."
The situation arose from a clash between the UK government's counter-terrorism policies and Rooney's political beliefs. In July 2025, the UK Home Office officially designated the protest group Palestine Action, known for direct actions such as occupying Israeli arms supplier facilities, as a terrorist organization, banning its activities. In response, Rooney stated in an article for an Irish publication, "I support Palestine Action, and if this makes me a supporter of terrorism under UK law, I am willing to accept that risk," pledging to donate all royalties and film rights from her UK sales to the group.
The UK's Terrorism Prevention Act criminalizes the act of funding or providing resources to designated terrorist organizations, which could lead to severe penalties. Given Rooney's commitment to donate her royalties, the publisher faced legal barriers to selling her books and compensating her, leading to the decision to halt sales. Rooney expressed her acceptance of the publisher's decision, stating, "I am fully prepared to accept the consequences of my public beliefs and intentions."
Following the UK government's designation of the group as a terrorist organization, tensions between Rooney and the UK cultural sector had already surfaced. Last month, Rooney was set to receive a British literary award for her novel 'Intermezzo,' but she canceled her appearance after receiving legal advice that she could be arrested for violating the Terrorism Prevention Act. In a statement submitted to the High Court in London, Rooney criticized the government's designation, stating, "The UK government's designation of a terrorist organization has a chilling effect on freedom of expression and conscience." Concerns have been raised within the local cultural and legal communities that national security laws are obstructing legitimate political expression and cultural distribution.
This is not the first time Rooney has taken a stand on the Palestinian issue. In 2021, she refused to allow her third novel, 'Beautiful World, Where Are You,' to be translated into Hebrew by an Israeli publisher in protest of Israel's occupation policies.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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