More than 120 Icelandic authors have publicly voiced their support for the Irish author Sally Rooney after she withdrew her books from sale in the United Kingdom. The move has attracted political controversy because she donated her royalties to Palestine Action, a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the British government. The statement of support was reported by Mannlíf and the total number of signatories was stated by RÚV.
Mannlíf reported that among the signatories are prominent Icelandic authors, including Andri Snær Magnason, Auður Jónsdóttir and Hallgrímur Helgason. The precise number of signatories is unclear. RÚV reports more than 120, while Mannlíf lists examples without giving a total. The gesture reflects a strong current of support among Icelandic writers.
Sally Rooney’s actions have drawn attention internationally due to the political implications of supporting a group classified as a terrorist organization by UK authorities. The details of Rooney’s motivations or the content of the authors’ statement have not been fully disclosed according to the media reports.
Sources
- Viðskiptablaðið (first reported) in Icelandic
- Mannlíf in Icelandic
- RÚV in Icelandic
