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๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom /Conflict & Security

Bondi library removes book How to Sell a Genocide from shelves after complaint

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A Sydney library removed the book "How to Sell a Genocide" following a complaint.
  • The book is critical of Israel and was reportedly linked to a complaint from a survivor of the Bondi beach terror attack.
  • The author and a Palestinian group have criticized the removal, emphasizing the importance of discussing challenging topics.

Waverley Library in Sydney has removed the book "How to Sell a Genocide" from its shelves after receiving a complaint. The book, authored by Adam Johnson, offers a critical perspective on Israel. Reports suggest the complaint originated from an individual connected to the Bondi beach terror attack. Author Adam Johnson has voiced criticism of the council's decision, stating that "reality is often upsetting." He defends the book's content as necessary for confronting difficult truths. Echoing concerns about censorship, a Palestinian group argued that libraries should serve as spaces for "challenging" books and ideas. The incident has sparked debate about the role of libraries in hosting controversial material and balancing community sensitivities with freedom of expression. The library's action, situated in the same council area as the Bondi beach attack site, highlights the sensitive nature of discussions surrounding the conflict and its impact.

reality is often upsetting

โ€” Adam JohnsonCriticizing the book's removal from the library.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.