The renowned British writer Madeleine Wickham, better known in literature as Sophie Kinsella, died today at the age of 55.. The news was confirmed by his family, who detailed the matter The author died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones.after a courageous battle against glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer.
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy) this morning. She died peacefully and her final days were filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy. We can’t imagine what life will be like without them.
1. pic.twitter.com/UPmvQTCpDt— Sophie Kinsella (@KinsellaSophie) December 10, 2025
Kinsella became world famous under her pseudonym through the book series that began with the novel “Confessions of a Shopaholic” (The Secret Dream World of a Shopaholic)published in 2000. This work introduced the world to Rebecca “Becky” Bloomwood, a London financial journalist and shopaholic who struggles to keep her life afloat while accumulating debt and pursuing retail therapy as a solution to her problems.
The character of Becky Bloomwood was immediately popular with millions of readers around the worldmaking the shopaholic saga one Sales phenomenon that has been translated into more than 40 languages. The series’ success was cemented with the 2009 film adaptation, which bore the title in Latin America “Shopping crazy” and with actress Isla Fisher.
Under the pseudonym Sophie Kinsellawrote the author overall nine books in the Shopaholic series and numerous other independent romantic comedies and chick novels, including hits like “Do you remember?” (Can you keep a secret?) And “The Uncanny Goddess”. Before his great success She had also published several novels for adults under her real name Madeleine Wickham.
In April 2024, Kinsella publicly announced through her social networks that she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma at the end of 2023.. At the time, he told his followers that he had been undergoing treatment, including surgery and radiotherapy, and thanked his family and readers for their support.
“I feel like I should give my readers a health update.”the author wrote, describing that although her condition was largely treated privately,He wanted to inform his fans about the aggressive brain tumor.
The news of his death sent a wave of shock and grief throughout the literary community and among his millions of followers. Its editors have highlighted his unmatched talent for humor and empathyand how his novels offered joy and relaxation to a generation of readers.
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