Sophie Kinsella, the beloved literary icon behind the Shopaholic series, has passed away at the age of 55 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Her death marks the end of an era for fans of her iconic romantic comedies, but her legacy will continue through her books, which have sold over 50 million copies worldwide.
Jojo Moyes, author of Me Before You and a close friend for over 20 years, shared her deep sorrow, calling Kinsella “incredibly kind, incredibly smart,” and someone who “wore her success so lightly.”
“Her brilliance was never heavy; she was one of the best people I’ve ever met,” Moyes told a private news channel. “She made everyone who met her feel seen and special, and that’s what her characters did as well.”
Sophie’s passing has also left a profound impact on fellow authors such as Jodi Picoult and Adele Parks, who described her as “wonderful” and “full of joy.” “She will be missed, but will forever be celebrated in the hearts of millions,” said Parks.
Kinsella’s first major success came with the release of The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (2000), which later became the Confessions of a Shopaholic film.
The novel introduced readers to Becky Bloom wood, an endearing yet flawed heroine whose shopping addiction and financial misadventures resonated with fans around the world.
Her Shopaholic series went on to inspire eight more novels and a film adaptation starring Isla Fisher. Beyond her Shopaholic books, Kinsella wrote several other bestsellers, including Can You Keep A Secret? and The Undomestic Goddess.
Despite the massive success of her career, Kinsella remained humble and rejected the label of “chick lit,” a genre often used to describe her books. “I’ve never had anyone say my books are inferior,” she once said, “but if people call them ‘beach reads,’ I say, ‘That’s fine by me. Read them on the beach!’”
Isla Fisher, who portrayed Becky Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic, expressed her heartbreak on Instagram: “You are still my hero, and I am forever grateful for you. Your light lives on in your characters.”
Sophie’s family also paid tribute to her, sharing in a statement that they were “heartbroken” by her loss. “Sophie bore her illness with unimaginable courage,” they said. “Her final days were filled with her loves: family, music, warmth, Christmas, and joy. She will be missed beyond measure.”
Sophie Kinsella was more than a bestselling author she was a beacon of kindness and grace who left an unforgettable mark on the literary world. Her witty writing, relatable characters, and emotional depth will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
Her publisher, Bill Scott-Kerr, summed up her legacy: “Maddy leaves behind a glorious and indelible legacy, a unique voice, an unquenchable spirit, and a body of work that will continue to inspire us to reach higher and be better, just like so many of her characters.”