London, UK — December 10, 2025 – The literary world is in mourning today following the announcement that Sophie Kinsella, the bestselling author whose wit and warmth defined a generation of romantic comedy, has died. She was 55.
Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Sophie Wickham, passed away peacefully this morning at her home in the UK, surrounded by her family. The cause of death was glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer she had been battling since late 2022.
Her family confirmed the news in a heartbreaking statement released on 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, music, warmth, Christmas, and joy.”
A Courageous Final Chapter
Kinsella’s death comes just over 18 months after she publicly revealed her diagnosis to the world in April 2024. At the time, she shared that she had undergone surgery and radiotherapy, noting she had waited to share the news to allow her five children time to process their “new normal.”
Despite the grueling treatment, Kinsella continued to write. Her final novella, What Does It Feel Like?, released in late 2024, was a deeply personal, semi-fictionalized account of an author learning to live with a severe brain tumor. It was widely praised as a masterpiece of vulnerability, blending her trademark humor with poignant reflection.
“She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received,” her husband, Henry Wickham, said in a statement. “Her radiance and love of life remained undimmed to the very end.”
The Legacy of Becky Bloomwood
While she wrote under her real name early in her career, it was the 2000 release of The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (published as Confessions of a Shopaholic in the US) that launched her into the stratosphere.
The novel introduced the world to Becky Bloomwood, a chaotic, lovable financial journalist with a serious shopping addiction and a heart of gold. The series sold over 45 million copies worldwide, was translated into 40 languages, and spawned a hit 2009 film starring Isla Fisher.
Critics and fans alike adored Kinsella for her ability to balance “frothy” fun with sharp observations about modern consumerism, anxiety, and self-worth. She famously rejected the dismissal of “chick lit,” arguing that her books tackled the complexity of women’s lives, just with a spoonful of sugar.
Tributes from the Literary World
Tributes have begun flooding in from fellow authors and fans.
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Jojo Moyes wrote: “Sophie was a beacon of light. She made us laugh when we wanted to cry, and she wrote about women with an unmatched kindness.”
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Isla Fisher, who played Becky Bloomwood, posted: “The world has lost a sparkling soul. Thank you, Sophie, for letting me wear Becky’s shoes.”
Kinsella is survived by her husband, Henry, and their five children: Freddy, Hugo, Oscar, Rex, and Sybella.
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