Sally Rooney books reach UK readers through Irish suppliers

Sally Rooney books are reaching British readers through Irish suppliers after Faber stopped its normal UK distribution in mid-October, according to reports. Little Acorns Bookstore in Londonderry has continued obtaining the novels from distributors in the Republic of Ireland.

Faber said it could not transfer UK earnings to Rooney after she announced plans to donate the money to Palestine Action. The publisher said its decision was made in agreement with the author.

Retailers take different approaches to replacement stock

The books themselves are not prohibited in Britain. Retailers can continue selling copies they already hold, but cannot obtain replacement stock through Faber's usual UK network.

Palestine Action was proscribed by the British government under anti-terrorism laws in July 2025. The group is not banned in Ireland, where Rooney lives.

Jenni Doherty, owner of Little Acorns, said her shop's access to Irish distributors allowed it to send books to customers in Britain and elsewhere. Londonderry is in Northern Ireland, close to the border with the Republic.

The change in supply has brought new customers to the shop, according to Doherty. Sally Rooney books that once stood alphabetically on the shelves now occupy a prominent place on the counter, and British booksellers have asked about alternative suppliers.

Kenny's Bookshop in Galway reported that sales of Rooney's novels increased tenfold after Faber's decision. Titles discussed in the reports include Normal People, Intermezzo and Beautiful World, Where Are You.

Other booksellers have chosen a different response. Bard Books in London sold its remaining stock within days and decided against importing replacements because of concerns about selling work without the author receiving royalties.

Faber remains Rooney's publisher and continues distributing her novels outside Britain. Separately, Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori is challenging the group's proscription, with an appeal scheduled before Britain's Supreme Court on Wednesday and Thursday.

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