The writer Sophie Kinsella, author of the Shopaholic series, has died
11 december 2025 в 00:28
Sophie Kinsella, the bestselling author of the «Shopaholic» series, passed away at the age of 55 after nearly three years of battling glioblastoma. Her family shared the sad news in a statement posted on Instagram, writing: «It is with deep regret that we announce the death of our beloved Sophie (also known as Maddy and Mommy) this morning. She passed away peacefully, and her last days were filled with those she loved: family, music, warmth, Christmas, and joy. We cannot imagine life without her sparkle and love for life».
The statement also said: «Despite her illness, which she fought with incredible courage, Sophie considered herself truly happy—to have such a wonderful family and friends, as well as to achieve outstanding success in her writing career. She took nothing for granted and was always grateful for the love she received. We will miss her dearly; our hearts are broken».
Sophie Kinsella became internationally renowned for her «Shopaholic» series, which introduced readers to the charming and chaotic Becky Bloomwood. The books sold millions of copies, were translated into numerous languages, and helped define the romantic comedy genre of the early 2000s. Kinsella’s popularity soared even further when «Confessions of a Shopaholic» was adapted into a film in 2009, starring Isla Fisher.
Although she was known as Sophie Kinsella, her real name was Madeleine Sophie Townley, and she published her early works under her real name. She first used the pen name Sophie Kinsella when she anonymously submitted «The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic», - choosing a name that combined personal and creative elements to distinguish her comedic prose from her earlier novels.
Kinsella studied at New College, Oxford, where she initially studied music before switching to philosophy, politics, and economics. After graduating, she worked as a financial journalist in London, which influenced both her early career and some of the most iconic fictional settings in her works before she fully dedicated herself to writing.
In 1991, Kinsella married Henry Wickham, whom she met on her first night at Oxford. The couple lived in Dorset and London and raised five children—Freddie, Hugo, Oscar, Rex, and Saffron.
Throughout her career, Kinsella tried to keep her family life relatively private but often spoke about how her loved ones supported and inspired her. In one social media post, she wrote: «My husband Henry has been my rock throughout this time, and I am so lucky to have him. Just wanted to say that. ❤️»
Sophie Kinsella passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 55 after nearly three years of battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer first diagnosed in late 2022. She publicly shared her health condition in 2024 to give her children time to process the news privately
The statement also said: «Despite her illness, which she fought with incredible courage, Sophie considered herself truly happy—to have such a wonderful family and friends, as well as to achieve outstanding success in her writing career. She took nothing for granted and was always grateful for the love she received. We will miss her dearly; our hearts are broken».
Sophie Kinsella became internationally renowned for her «Shopaholic» series, which introduced readers to the charming and chaotic Becky Bloomwood. The books sold millions of copies, were translated into numerous languages, and helped define the romantic comedy genre of the early 2000s. Kinsella’s popularity soared even further when «Confessions of a Shopaholic» was adapted into a film in 2009, starring Isla Fisher.
Although she was known as Sophie Kinsella, her real name was Madeleine Sophie Townley, and she published her early works under her real name. She first used the pen name Sophie Kinsella when she anonymously submitted «The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic», - choosing a name that combined personal and creative elements to distinguish her comedic prose from her earlier novels.
Kinsella studied at New College, Oxford, where she initially studied music before switching to philosophy, politics, and economics. After graduating, she worked as a financial journalist in London, which influenced both her early career and some of the most iconic fictional settings in her works before she fully dedicated herself to writing.
In 1991, Kinsella married Henry Wickham, whom she met on her first night at Oxford. The couple lived in Dorset and London and raised five children—Freddie, Hugo, Oscar, Rex, and Saffron.
Throughout her career, Kinsella tried to keep her family life relatively private but often spoke about how her loved ones supported and inspired her. In one social media post, she wrote: «My husband Henry has been my rock throughout this time, and I am so lucky to have him. Just wanted to say that. ❤️»
Sophie Kinsella passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 55 after nearly three years of battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer first diagnosed in late 2022. She publicly shared her health condition in 2024 to give her children time to process the news privately
© Kolganov Andrey
