Faber & Faber will stop supplying Sally Rooney’s books in the United Kingdom, after the publisher said current law prevents it from passing the author her UK earnings. The Irish novelist has agreed to the decision, which affects all formats distributed by the publisher in Britain.
Why the books are leaving the market
Rooney has publicly backed Palestine Action and said she intended to direct some of her earnings to the group. The British government proscribed Palestine Action in 2025 under terrorism legislation. Faber says that legal restrictions have created a situation in which it cannot transfer UK-derived earnings to Rooney, so it will no longer supply her work there.
The publisher’s decision is a withdrawal of its own distribution, rather than a separately announced government order banning the novels. The distinction matters: the immediate issue described by Faber is whether it can pay the author under the law, not a finding that the books themselves are unlawful.
What readers should know
Rooney said she supports the decision and is prepared to accept its consequences. Her novels include Normal People, Conversations with Friends and Intermezzo. Existing copies may remain with readers and in circulation, but Faber says it will not supply the works in the UK in any format. The move has renewed debate about how counterterrorism rules can affect authors, publishers and the flow of royalties when an artist supports a proscribed organisation.
