British novelist Sophie Kinsella, known for her popular Shopaholic book series, has passed away at age 55, according to a statement from her family.
The author, born Madeleine Sophie Wickham, had been battling a severe brain cancer since receiving her diagnosis in 2022.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy). She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy,” the statement posted to her Instagram account read.
“We canโt imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life. Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed – to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career. She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received. She will be missed so much our hearts are breaking๐๐๐,” the statement added.
Who is Sophie Kinsella?
She is best known for her โShopaholicโ series, which follows the hilarious misadventures of Becky Bloomwood, a financial journalist with a charmingly disastrous shopping addiction.
The first book, Confessions of a Shopaholic, became a global phenomenon and was adapted into a Hollywood film.
Kinsellaโs work is known for warm, funny, self-deprecating humour. She has focused on fast-paced, conversational storytelling with characters who feel real, flawed, and lovable. Her books revolve around the themes of friendship, love, identity, and modern womanhood.
Her notable books include Confessions of a Shopaholic, Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Iโve Got Your Number and several YA novels including Finding Audrey.
Before becoming Sophie Kinsella, she published several novels under her real name, Madeleine Wickham. She later adopted the pen name when she shifted toward a more humorous, contemporary style that ultimately made her a household name.
