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Sally Rooney Pulls UK Book Sales Over Palestine Action

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 6:09 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

Sally Rooney agreed to withdraw her books from UK sales because of Palestine Action support.
The UK designated Palestine Action as a terrorist group in July 2025.
Faber halted supplying Rooney’s e-books in the UK, citing law that blocks passing earnings to her.
Rooney pledged to donate royalties and TV fees from her novels to Palestine Action.

History

Historical Context

In 1976, the international cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa forced major publishers like Penguin to halt distribution of works supporting the regime. The British Council reported that 32,000 South African titles were withdrawn, costing publishers an estimated £5 million in lost sales. Today, Sally Rooney’s UK e-book pull-back echoes that boycott, as Faber stops sales after Home Office branded Palestine Action a terrorist group in July 2025. The precedent suggests future authors may face similar restrictions, prompting industry debates over free expression versus anti-terror financing laws.

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Story summary

Sally Rooney agreed to withdraw her books from UK sales because of Palestine Action support.
The UK designated Palestine Action as a terrorist group in July 2025.
Faber halted supplying Rooney’s e-books in the UK, citing law that blocks passing earnings to her.
Rooney pledged to donate royalties and TV fees from her novels to Palestine Action.

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