Sally Rooney books reach UK through Irish sellers

Irish bookshops are helping readers in Britain and elsewhere obtain Sally Rooney novels after her publisher halted UK supplies because of complications linked to the author's support for Palestine Action.

Publisher Faber said it could no longer distribute Rooney's books in the United Kingdom because it could not transfer UK earnings to the author after she announced plans to donate those proceeds to Palestine Action, which is banned in Britain.

The books themselves have not been banned, and copies already held by British retailers can remain on sale. But shops cannot replenish them through Faber's normal UK distribution network.

Jenni Doherty, owner of Little Acorns Bookstore in Londonderry, has continued stocking Rooney titles such as “Normal People,” “Intermezzo” and “Beautiful World, Where Are You” through suppliers in the Republic of Ireland. Londonderry is part of the United Kingdom but lies next to the border with Ireland, allowing Doherty to order stock through Irish distributors before sending books to customers around the world, including in Britain.

Faber said it remained Rooney's publisher and would continue selling her work outside Britain. The publisher said its UK decision was made in agreement with Rooney.

Kenny's Bookshop in Galway reported a tenfold increase in sales of Rooney's novels after Faber's decision. Doherty said the dispute had brought new customers to her shop and led to inquiries from British booksellers seeking alternative suppliers.

Palestine Action was banned by the UK government in July 2025 under anti-terrorism laws but is not prohibited in Ireland, where Rooney lives. Its proscription makes it illegal in Britain to belong to, support or finance the group. A challenge by co-founder Huda Ammori is due before Britain's Supreme Court on Wednesday and Thursday.