Confessions of a Shopaholic author Sophie Kinsella has died after being diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of brain cancer. She was 55.
Kinsella’s family confirmed the news on Wednesday, December 10, writing via Instagram, “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 writer, whose real name was Madeleine Wickham, battled a form of glioblastoma brain cancer for three years.
“We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life,” the statement continued. “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.”
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The post concluded: “She will be missed so much our hearts are breaking💔💔💔.”
Kinsella is best known for her 2000 novel Confessions of a Shopaholic, which was made into a 2009 film starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy. Kinsella also wrote standalone novels including 2023’s The Burnout.
“I just think there’s something exciting about the time of life when you’re on the lookout for opportunities in all directions … everything is ahead of you,” she told NPR in 2019 about writing books about people in their 20s. “And for me, the wide-open horizon is so exciting. … I left my job to write novels when I was 20-something, and in my head, I’m pretty much still that 20-something, and looking at the grown-ups.”
She continued: “I always thought ‘chick lit’ meant third-person contemporary funny novels, dealing with issues of the day. I mean, it’s not the ideal term; when I’m asked to describe what I do, I say I write romantic comedies, ’cause that’s what I feel they are. But I’m quite pragmatic.”
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In the comments section of Wednesday’s post, fellow authors shared tributes. Romance writer Kirsty Greenwood wrote, “This is just devastating. Sophie brought such happiness and fun to millions and inspired so many of us to read, to write and to seek out joy and laughter, even in the trickier moments of life. I will be grateful to her and in awe of her, always.”
Style editor Elana Fishman, meanwhile, celebrated Kinsella’s legacy.
“This is such deeply sad news. Sophie’s books were my absolute favorite when I was growing up — especially the Shopaholic series — and I know they brought so many millions of other readers joy as well,” she wrote. “Her words will live on forever ❤️.”
In her own tribute, Cressida McLaughlin credited Kinsella for inspiring her work.
“I am so sorry, and so sad, to read this, and I am sending all of you, everyone who knew and loved her, so much love,” she wrote. “Sophie’s book Twenties Girl made me want to be a writer, and she brought me – and millions of others – so much joy with her wonderful stories. What an amazing legacy, though I know that doesn’t change the immeasurable loss. ♥️ xx.”
