Sally Rooney’s books will no longer be supplied by Faber in the UK, the publisher has confirmed, citing legislation that it says prevents it from passing UK earnings to the author because of her support for Palestine Action. But existing copies in bookshops are not being recalled.
That distinction matters. In a clarification reported by RTÉ on October 14, Faber said: “Stock will not be removed.” BBC News separately reported that ebook editions had already been removed from UK sale, while shops still held physical copies.
What Faber has decided about Sally Rooney’s books
The publisher said it had reached the decision in full agreement with Rooney. In its statement, quoted by both broadcasters, Faber said current UK legislation had created circumstances in which it could not pass on her UK earnings.
“To sell a writer’s work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher,” Faber said. It added that it would continue selling her work in other territories.
The decision concerns new supply in the UK across formats. It should not be confused with a requirement for readers to hand back books they own, or with the removal of every copy already on a retailer’s shelves.
Rooney’s statement and the legal background
Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK in July 2025. Rooney said she subsequently wrote an opinion piece declaring her intention to continue supporting the group, which she noted is not prohibited in the Republic of Ireland.
In a statement reported by the BBC and RTÉ, she said fulfilling contracts to publish her work in the UK “could now constitute a serious criminal offence.” She said Faber’s decision followed consultation and had her full agreement.
Those are Rooney’s and her publisher’s explanations of the legal risk behind their decision. The reports do not describe a court order banning her novels themselves. RTÉ reports that a further appeal over Palestine Action’s proscription is due before the UK Supreme Court in November.
The novels and their screen adaptations
Rooney’s books include Conversations With Friends, Normal People, Beautiful World, Where Are You and Intermezzo. Normal People and Conversations With Friends were adapted into television dramas. The BBC reports that her novels have sold more than six million copies worldwide.
For UK readers, the immediate practical difference is between existing physical stock and future supply. Faber has said stock already with retailers will not be removed, while its new supply will stop.
