A County Down bookshop has been vandalised after pledging to continue to stock titles by Sally Rooney.
The Irish-born author’s publisher, Faber, had recently indicated its intention to stop supplying her books in the UK over her support for Palestine Action.
Rooney has penned a string of bestsellers, including Conversations With Friends, Intermezzo and Normal People.
The latter was one of a number of works by the author to be adapted for TV, with its stars, Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, both adding their names to an open letter in support of Rooney.
Six days ago, Bridge Books, in Dromore, confirmed it would continue to stock the author’s work.
In a statement on social media, it said: “We recognise that she has expressed support for Palestine Action, an organisation the UK government has proscribed under terrorism legislation. We also recognise that this is a contentious issue and that people will hold differing views.
“We oppose antisemitism in all its forms, but we also support the rights of innocent people, whoever they might be, to live their lives free of violence and oppression. Peace.”
Since that post, the independent bookseller on Bridge Street has been the target for vandalism.
Graffiti, in black marker, has been scrawled across the front door, the culprit writing: “Sally Rooney is a terrorist supporter. Why do you sell her books?”
The owner of the premises arrived to discover what had been done this morning and informed the PSNI, while asking anyone who may have witnessed those responsible also to contact herself.
Posting an image of the damage, she wrote: “The only positive I can take is that they can spell. (Oh, and the good kitchen roll I had to buy to hopefully remove it is on offer)
“Seriously though, I could cry, but I won’t let them make me do that.”
Customers and public have expressed their anger at what had happened and rushed to voice support for Bridge Books.
One wrote: “He/she can choose not to read Sally Rooney’s books but calling for censorship because one doesn’t like a point of view, a highly moral one at that, is abhorrent. Stay strong. You are admirable and right in what you are doing. Respect.”
Another commented: “In my experience trying to ban something, be it books, bands or whatever, only makes them 10 times more popular than they would otherwise have been! Hopefully this has the same effect on your business.”
Yet one more added: “If someone doesn’t agree with what Sally Rooney is supporting with her income…. don’t buy her books and then you won’t be supporting a cause you don’t agree with. Is it not that simple?
“The day we start bowing to pressure to ban books, even books or authors we don’t agree with, is the day we’re f*cked.”
