‘Shopaholic’ author Sophie Kinsella takes her last breath at 55

Sophie Kinsella, the author of bestselling Confessions of a Shopaholic, took her last breath at 55 on December 10.

The author’s family shared the tragic news of her death in a social media post on Wednesday, saying, she “died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy”.

The statement read, “We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life.”

Sophie, whose real name is Madeleine Sophie Wickham, was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of glioblastoma brain cancer in 2022.

“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,” noted the family in a statement.

“She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received.”

In the end, they added, “She will be missed so much our hearts are breaking.”

Born in 1969, the late British author wrote more than 30 books over her career, which included novel and kids’ books as well.

However, Sophie, who is survived by husband and children, rose to fame with her Shopaholic series which tells the story of Rebecca Bloomwood, a financial journalist navigating hurdles in life and shopping.

Later, the story was adapted into the 2009 movie with the same novel title, Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher.

Earlier in 2024, the author’s last novella, What Does It Feel Like, was her “most autobiographical work to date”.