Sally Rooney.
News + Letter #4
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A newsletter delivering the latest news in the world of books — from major literary awards, publishing shake-ups, and author drama to hot new releases, adaptation buzz, and cultural debates. Whether you're a casual reader or a full-on lit nerd, this is your weekly dose of what’s happening between the covers and behind the scenes.
This newsletter’s purpose is to make you seem smarter when you go on a date.
SECTION 01: THE WORLD
The 2025 Edition of The Polari Prize has been cancelled.
For the last two weeks, we have been covering the recent developments of the Polari Prize controversy. Today, I’m presenting you the end of this story (or what I think will be the end of it).
If you don’t remember what I’m talking about, I’ll update you: At least half of the longlisted authors for the Polari Prize and several judges, have pulled themselves from the competition in protest against the addition of author John Boyne (and his book “Earth”) on the prize’s longlist, due to his relationship with author J.K Rowling.
Then, as reported last week, Boyne actually stated that those withdrawals weren’t born of conviction but of pressure, he says the authors have either been “misled” or pushed out by bullying and intimidation. He also stated that he has experienced ‘endless harassment’ online over the Polari prize row.
The end of this story? The book prize will not be happening in 2025.
"What was supposed to be a celebration of exceptional LGBTQ+ literature has been overshadowed by hurt and anger, which has been painful and distressing for all concerned.”
-The Polari Prize Organizers.
According to the BBC, Polari said it had consulted authors, judges, stakeholders and funders, and had "decided to pause the prize this year while we increase the representation of trans and gender non-conforming judges on the panels" and undertake a governance and management review.
It concluded by saying it would "endeavour to find a way forwards in good faith".
Sally Rooney?! A terrorist?!
Irish author Sally Rooney, best known for her bestselling novels, has publicly pledged her continued backing of Palestine Action, even though the group has recently been designated a terrorist organization in the UK.
Writing in The Irish Times on Saturday, Rooney, long recognized as one of the most outspoken pro-Palestinian voices in contemporary literature, expressed both solidarity with and admiration for the movement’s direct action campaigns. She also denounced the August 9 arrests of over 500 demonstrators, describing them as peaceful protesters who were wrongly detained under terror-related charges.
“These protesters were not engaged in any violent acts, nor were they promoting any violence against any living creatures at all. And yet they may now face life-altering terror charges, some of which could result in up to 14 years in prison. Why? Because, with a full understanding of the consequences, these brave individuals chose to express support for the protest group Palestine Action.”
-Sally Rooney
As seen on Lit Hub, Lawyer and author Sadakat Kadri explained that under section 15 of the 2000 Act, accepting funds with the purpose of directing them toward terrorism is considered a criminal offense. By that definition, he noted, Sally Rooney could technically be detained without a warrant and treated as a “terrorist.”
Kadri went on to argue that “the absurdities don’t stop there.” He pointed out that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s move to categorize Palestine Action alongside organizations like Islamic State could, in theory, make the BBC legally responsible if it were to continue paying Rooney her royalties given her publicly declared stance.
Denmark’s government has revealed plans to scrap the 25% value-added tax on books, saying the measure is intended to help address what it describes as an escalating “reading crisis.
Denmark’s Culture Minister, Jacob Engel-Schmidt, expressed hope that eliminating the tax will encourage more people to buy books. While the policy is expected to reduce state revenue by about 330 million kroner (€44 million) each year, Engel-Schmidt framed it as a worthwhile investment in Denmark’s cultural future. Ah, if only the US government did a similar policy instead of banning books left and right…
