(New York, NY) — Following news that Sally Rooney will hold off on the Hebrew translation of her new novel, PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel released the following statement:
“At PEN America we have a longstanding policy of opposition to cultural and academic boycotts as impediments to the free flow of ideas. Given the large segment of the global citizenry living in jurisdictions with policies that may be objectionable and inconsistent with international human rights obligations, restricting publication of books in languages and areas that serve those populations would curtail the role of literature as a catalyst for international understanding and change. We respect the right of writers to control the publication and distribution of their work, but hope that readers are not deprived of the opportunity to read what may interest or inspire them.”
###
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
CONTACT: Stephen Fee, Director of Communications, [email protected], +1 202 309 8892