Sophie Kinsella, Author of the Best-Selling ‘Shopaholic’ novels, Dies at 55
Sophie Kinsella — the pen name of British novelist Madeleine Sophie Wickham — has died at age 55, her family confirmed today. She had been privately battling an aggressive brain cancer since 2022. Her work brought joy and laughter to millions worldwide, and her loss is being mourned deeply by readers, friends, and family alike.
A Beloved Author’s Final Farewell
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, her family said, “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.” They added, “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.”
Sophie Kinsella: The Fight Against Cancer
According to a report from The Philadelphia Inquirer, Kinsella, born Madeleine Sophie Wickham, disclosed in April 2024 that she had been diagnosed in late 2022 with glioblastoma — an aggressive form of brain cancer. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, and later channeled her experience into her 2024 novella “What Does It Feel Like?”, which parallels the struggles of someone facing a terminal diagnosis.
A Career That Resonated Worldwide
Under the Sophie Kinsella name, she burst into public consciousness in 2000 with “The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic” (published as “Confessions of a Shopaholic” in the U.S.), introducing readers to the hilarious and relatable world of Becky Bloomwood — a financial journalist with a penchant for retail. Over the years, she authored ten books in the “Shopaholic” series, along with standalone novels such as “Can You Keep a Secret?”, “The Undomestic Goddess” and the 2023 hit “The Burnout”.
Her work sold more than 45 million copies across more than 60 countries and was translated into dozens of languages. The first two “Shopaholic” books were adapted into a 2009 film, bringing her characters to life on screen.
Legacy and Mourning
Kinsella is survived by her husband, Henry Wickham, and their five children. Fans and fellow authors around the world have begun paying tribute, recalling how her signature blend of wit, empathy, and humor provided comfort, escape, and connection. Her stories didn’t just entertain: they resonated. She wrote heroines whom readers rooted for, laughed with, rooted for, and cared about. She will be remembered not just for the millions of books sold, but for the warmth, laughter, and hope she gave to readers everywhere.
