Sally Rooney Books Pulled in UK Over Palestine Action Ban Royalties Fears
Sally Rooney's novels are being removed from sale in the United Kingdom, with the author and her British publisher fearing that royalties generated by those sales could violate UK anti-terrorism legislation that carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence. The Irish novelist, frequently characterized as the "voice of a generation" and the first great millennial novelist, has sold more than six million copies of her books worldwide since her debut novel appeared in 2017. Her work is known for its youthful examination of romance and relationships alongside class and technology. The withdrawal is tied to the UK's ban on Palestine Action, and the fallout has extended beyond publishing: books have been pulled and elderly supporters of the group have been arrested. At issue, according to the commentary, is how far laws framed as national security measures may restrict free expression. The piece frames the episode as an absurd consequence of the ban's reach into publishing and royalties.
Key facts
- Sally Rooney's books are being withdrawn from sale in the United Kingdom
- Rooney and her British publisher fear royalties from sales could breach UK anti-terrorism laws
- The maximum penalty under the relevant legislation is 14 years in jail
- More than six million copies of Rooney's books have sold globally since her 2017 debut
- Rooney is often described as the "voice of a generation" and the first great millennial novelist
- Elderly supporters of Palestine Action have been arrested in the fallout
- The dispute centers on how far national security laws curb free expression
- The story was published by SCMP under the URL scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3371199
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Palestine Action
Locations
- United Kingdom
- Ireland