Books vanish from UK shelves because Faber can’t pass on earnings to Sally Rooney

Faber & Faber announced it is pulling Sally Rooney’s books from British retailers, not because the novels have turned into ghosts, but because the publisher says it cannot pass on UK earnings to the author under the current circumstances.

The decision follows Rooney’s vocal support for pro‑Palestinian causes, including the activist group Palestine Action. In a statement, Faber explained that the financial arrangement makes it impossible for the firm to forward any UK sales revenue to Rooney.

Supporters of Palestine Action have welcomed the move as a sign of solidarity, while critics warn it could set a worrying precedent for censorship in the publishing world.

With the titles removed from physical shelves in the UK, readers will need to look to e‑books, second‑hand copies or imports to get their hands on Rooney’s work, while the books remain available elsewhere.