The Irish novelist, celebrated for her keen take on Millennial relationship turmoil and for her vocal stance on Palestine, told The Guardian this morning that she can no longer sell her books in the United Kingdom.
This development follows Rooney’s high-profile support for Palestine Action, a direct-action collective. In a contentious and ongoing legal clash, the group was designated a terrorist organization in the UK last year.
After Rooney announced that some profits from her books would still go toward backing Palestine Action despite the ban, she entered a legal gray zone on British soil. Under the UK Terrorism Act, aiding “terrorist” organizations is illegal—even when their designation remains disputed.
Rooney’s publisher, Faber, decided to remove her works from English shelves, seemingly out of a legitimate fear that the author could be arrested if she ever traveled to the country. In a statement to The Guardian, Rooney expanded on her predicament.
In July 2025, the direct-action protest group Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organization in the UK. The following month, Rooney wrote an op-ed outlining her intention to continue backing Palestine Action, which is not proscribed or otherwise prohibited in the Republic of Ireland.
As a consequence, fulfilling contracts to publish her work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offense. After a process of consultation and deliberation, and with her full agreement, Faber has therefore determined that it can no longer supply her work within the UK. Rooney has stated that she has endeavored to be honest with the public about her beliefs and intentions, and she is fully prepared to accept the consequences.
According to The Irish Times, Rooney’s breakout novel, Normal People, sold more than a million copies in the UK. Consequently, this decision is likely to have repercussions for both the author and her readers.
Yet, as ever, Rooney’s supporters applaud her moral clarity and her outspoken advocacy for Palestine. One can hope she will navigate this turbulent interlude with renewed support and fresh material for future works.
