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Sally Rooney to issue novel in Hebrew with Israeli publisher who complies with BDS

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Irish author Sally Rooney will release her latest novel, "Intermezzo," in Hebrew through an Israeli publisher approved by BDS activists.
  • This move follows Rooney's 2021 refusal to sell Hebrew translation rights to a previous book, citing support for the BDS movement and demanding Israeli publishers distance themselves from "apartheid."
  • The new arrangement with November Books is considered compatible with the boycott campaign because the publisher does not operate in West Bank settlements, avoids Israeli government funding, and supports Palestinian rights.

Irish novelist Sally Rooney is set to release her new book, "Intermezzo," in Hebrew, marking a significant development after her previous high-profile refusal to allow a Hebrew translation of her work. This time, Rooney has partnered with November Books, an Israeli publisher that has gained approval from Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement activists.

Though my refusal to work with complicit Israeli publishing houses made the contractual side of things more complex, I was, of course, never boycotting the Hebrew language or any language. I’m very pleased that Intermezzo will soon be available in Hebrew with November Books.

· Sally RooneyExplaining her decision to publish in Hebrew with November Books and clarifying her stance on language versus institutional boycott.

Rooney's decision in 2021 to decline a Hebrew translation sparked considerable debate. At the time, she stated her support for BDS and insisted on working only with publishers willing to publicly condemn Israeli government policies and support Palestinian rights. This stance led to backlash and calls for boycotts of her work within Israel.

to try to ensure that I was upholding both the letter and the spirit of the institutional boycott.

· Sally RooneyDescribing her communication with PACBI, a BDS advisory group, regarding her publishing decision.

The current arrangement with November Books, in collaboration with +972 Magazine and Local Call, appears to navigate the complexities of the cultural boycott. Rooney, who has remained in contact with BDS advisory groups, believes this publisher aligns with the boycott's principles by not operating in settlements, not accepting government funding, and endorsing Palestinian rights. This approach highlights a nuanced engagement with the BDS movement, allowing for cultural exchange while adhering to specific boycott criteria.

BDS is willing to work with Israeli publishers if they express that they are not “complicit” with the Israeli state, do not accept government funding, nor operate within the settlements.

· Haggai MatarExecutive director of +972, explaining the conditions under which the BDS movement might engage with Israeli publishers.
About this summary

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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