Lithuanian publisher pulls JD Vance’s memoir ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ from sale

Sofoklis, a Lithuanian publishing company has confirmed it will stop selling US Vice President JD Vance’s memoir “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis“, following “the US presidential administration’s decision to suspend aid to Ukraine”.

The ban will continue “as long as US foreign policy towards Ukraine remains unchanged,” the publisher said in a Facebook post. “We invite you to support Ukraine and read books by Ukrainian authors published by Sofoklis and other publishers and donate to Blue/Yellow”.

Opinions were predictably split over Sofoklis’ decision to take Vance’s book off the shelves.

“You are incredible. Thank you on behalf of all Ukrainians,” one user wrote, while another commented: “Does this mean that the publishing world no longer supports diversity of opinion? Will books now only be published if their content aligns with the ‘correct’ ideology?”

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump ordered US intelligence to be withheld from Ukraine. His decision followed a disastrous White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Vance’s behaviour and comments towards the US’ allies has become a point of criticism in Europe. He has been accused of bullying during the Oval Office encounter, where he demanded that the Ukrainian leader say “thank you” for US aid. UK and French politicians also attacked Vance for suggesting the countries haven’t “fought a war in 30 or 40 years” despite their support in US conflicts.

Vance published his memoir in 2016. Written before he became a politician, “Hillbilly Elegy” tells the story of his hometown in Ohio and espouses Appalachian values. It also charts how he believes the US region shifted from voting Democrat to supporting the Republican party. It was adapted into a sinema in 2020 by Ron Howard, starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close.