What's happened
Sally Rooney has released a Hebrew translation of Intermezzo through November Books, with +972 Magazine and Local Call, after previously declining a Hebrew translation in 2021. The arrangement aligns with BDS principles, as November Books does not operate in settlements, receives no Israeli government funding, and endorses Palestinian rights. Rooney emphasizes the translation is about language, not people, and remains engaged with PACBI.
What's behind the headline?
Context and implications
- Rooney’s move aligns translation of Intermezzo with BDS principles, highlighting a shift from past collaborations with Israeli publishers.
- November Books is positioned as a compliant entity under BDS rules, avoiding settlements and government funding, while recognizing Palestinian rights.
- The partnership with +972 Magazine and Local Call signals a cross-border media collaboration that may challenge perceptions of the boycott and its impact on Israeli readers.
What this signals for readers
- The act emphasizes that translation is a political act, not a blanket rejection of the Hebrew language or Israeli readers.
- It could influence future publishing choices by authors who support BDS but want to reach Hebrew-speaking audiences.
- Expect continued debate over the balance between artistic freedom and political solidarity in publishing.
How we got here
Rooney has publicly supported the Palestinian BDS movement and previously declined to translate Beautiful World, Where Are You, with a different Israeli publisher in 2021. The new Hebrew edition of Intermezzo is published by November Books, a small Israeli nonprofit, and supported by +972 and Local Call.
Our analysis
The Times of Israel reports on Rooney’s Hebrew translation through November Books, +972 Magazine and Local Call, and her Guardian interview. The Guardian covers Rooney’s broader stance on BDS and prior refusals. The Guardian notes the controversy and Rooney’s comments about “complicity” in Israeli state policies.
Go deeper
- How will this translation affect Rooney’s relationship with Hebrew-reading audiences?
- Will other authors follow Rooney’s example in publishing through BDS-approved Israeli publishers?
- What are the legal or funding implications for November Books as a small Israeli nonprofit?
More on these topics
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Sally Rooney - Author
Sally Rooney is an Irish author and screenwriter. Her debut novel, Conversations with Friends, was published in 2017. It was followed by Normal People in 2018. Normal People was adapted into a 2020 TV series.