Sophie Kinsella, Author Of 'Shopaholic' Series, Dies At 55

Celebrated English author Sophie Kinsella, best known for the 'Shopaholic' series, died on December 10, her family announced. She was 55 years old. The news came three years after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma. 

In an emotional social media post, her family wrote, "We can’t 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 a wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career."

Kinsella's books have sold more than 50 million copies in more than 60 countries, and have been translated into more than 40 languages. She was best known for writing rom-coms.

Actor Isla Fisher, who starred in the 2009 film adaptation, Confessions of a Shopaholic, said she was "absolutely heartbroken" following Kinsella's death. 

"You are still my hero, and I'm grateful for you," the actor wrote on Instagram. "Though we won't meet again, your light and magic lives on in your incredible characters."

Cancer diagnosis

Although Sophie was diagnosed with cancer in 2022, the author only announced her diagnosis in April last year, telling supporters, “I did not share this before because I wanted to make sure that my children were able to hear and process the news in privacy and adapt to our 'new normal.'”

The writer said in a Facebook post that she was undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy and had undergone one surgery.

Kinsella wrote, "I did not share this before because I wanted to make sure that my children were able to hear and process the news in privacy and adapt to our 'new normal.'" 

Kinsella had said that she said she wanted to keep the diagnosis private for a while so that her family could understand her condition first. 

Kinsella also offered support to other people undergoing cancer treatment. "To everyone who is suffering from cancer in any form, I send love and best wishes, as well as to those who support them," she wrote.

Kinsella, whose real name is Madeleine Sophie Wickham, published her last book, What Does It Feel Like?, in October 2024. She wrote on her website, "Writing is my happy place, and writing this book, although tough going at times, was immensely satisfying and therapeutic for me."