Sally Rooney to Release Hebrew Translation of ‘Intermezzo’ via BDS-Compliant Publisher
Irish novelist Sally Rooney is bringing her 2024 bestseller, Intermezzo, to Hebrew-speaking audiences this month. The release is being handled by November Books, an independent Israeli publisher that adheres to the guidelines of the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The decision marks a significant evolution in Rooney’s approach to her work’s international distribution. It comes more than four years after the author declined a translation offer for her third novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You, citing her commitment to the BDS movement—a global campaign seeking to “end international support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians and pressure Israel to comply with international law.”
A Strategic Shift in Publishing
For years, Rooney’s relationship with the Israeli publishing market was defined by a strict boycott. While her first two novels, Conversations with Friends and Normal People, were translated into Hebrew by the publisher Modan, she later distanced herself from the firm. In a recent conversation with Irish Palestinian artist and activist Samir Eskanda, Rooney expressed regret over her previous collaboration with Modan, stating she later realized the publisher had ties to the Israeli military.
“How could my actions be so inconsistent with my beliefs?” Rooney asked during the discussion. She noted that as she became a public figure, she felt a “greater sense of responsibility” regarding the decisions surrounding her work.
The publication of Intermezzo is possible because November Books is currently the only Israeli publisher that meets the specific conditions set by the BDS movement for exemption from the boycott. To further align the release with Palestinian rights, November Books is collaborating with Local Call and +972 Magazine, two independent media outlets operating in Israel and Palestine.
The Intersection of Art and Activism
Rooney’s decision to publish through a BDS-compliant channel reflects her broader view on the role of the artist in geopolitical conflict. In her dialogue with Eskanda, Rooney argued that “the Israeli culture sector is complicit in apartheid,” suggesting that the act of publishing is not a neutral endeavor but one tied to the political landscape of the region.
The collaboration emphasizes a move toward “accountability,” shifting the focus from a blanket boycott to targeted engagement with entities that actively support Palestinian civil society and uphold international law.
Key Takeaways: Sally Rooney and the BDS Movement
- The Novel: Intermezzo (2024) will be the latest Rooney work translated into Hebrew.
- The Publisher: November Books, an independent Israeli publisher deemed compliant with BDS movement standards.
- The Partners: The release involves collaboration with independent media outlets +972 Magazine and Local Call.
- The Precedent: Rooney previously rejected a translation deal with Modan in 2021 due to the publisher’s alleged military ties and her support for the BDS movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BDS movement?
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement is a Palestinian-led global campaign. Its primary goals are to end international support for the oppression of Palestinians and to pressure the Israeli government to comply with international law.
Why did Sally Rooney previously refuse Hebrew translations?
Rooney declined a translation offer for Beautiful World, Where Are You because she wanted to support the BDS movement. She later expressed regret over working with previous publishers who she believed were inconsistent with her political beliefs.
Why is November Books different from previous publishers?
Unlike other publishers, November Books is recognized as meeting the specific criteria required for exemption from the BDS boycott, allowing authors who support the movement to publish their work in Hebrew without violating their political principles.
As the literary world continues to grapple with the ethics of international distribution in conflict zones, Rooney’s partnership with November Books provides a blueprint for authors seeking to balance the reach of their work with their political convictions.