Her breakout book Normal People has sold one million copies there, while Conversations with Friends has reached half a million readers. Beyond print, the story of Normal People has been viewed 62,700,000 times, underscoring its cultural footprint.
On 15 October 2026, the United Kingdom declared Palestine Action an illegal organisation under its terrorism legislation. The same date marks the formal outlawing of the group, meaning any activity deemed to support it falls under the scope of the Terrorism Act.
Shortly after the ban, Rooney stated that she would use the proceeds from her book sales to support Palestine Action. She made this commitment public, linking her earnings directly to the banned organisation’s activities.
In an Italian‑language statement, Rooney explained that her public support for Palestine Action prevents her from receiving royalties on sales in the United Kingdom.
In response to Rooney’s stance, her British publisher Faber & Faber announced it could no longer distribute her works in the UK. The publisher cited current UK legislation, saying it prevented the transfer of British earnings to the author for her work.
The UK’s terrorism legislation makes it an offence to support a banned group. By declaring her intention to fund Palestine Action with her royalties, Rooney’s actions could be interpreted as providing support, exposing her to potential criminal liability under the law.
In an Italian‑language statement, Rooney explained that her public support for Palestine Action prevents her from receiving royalties on sales in the United Kingdom. She noted that the group was designated a terrorist organisation in the UK in July 2025, and that a month later she had written an article expressing her intention to continue supporting it. Because Palestine Action remains legal in Ireland, she warned that honouring her UK publishing contracts today could constitute a serious crime.
The removal of her books from sale directly affects Rooney’s income from the UK market and jeopardises any future distribution of her titles there. The situation highlights how an author’s political statements can intersect with commercial contracts and national security laws.
The episode brings into focus the uneasy balance between creative expression, political activism and state counter‑terrorism measures. It raises questions about where the line lies when an author’s advocacy runs afoul of legislation designed to curb support for proscribed groups.
As of the latest developments, Sally Rooney’s novels are no longer available for purchase in the United Kingdom through conventional channels. Her UK earnings are frozen, and any future resumption of sales would require a change in either her stance or the legal framework governing support for banned organisations.