Sophie Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Wickham, died on December 10, 2025, at the age of 55 after a brave battle with glioblastoma, a very aggressive type of brain cancer that was diagnosed in late 2022. Her family posted the sad news on Instagram, saying that she died peacefully with family, music, warmth, Christmas, and happiness all around her. In April 2024, Kinsella publicly talked about her diagnosis, saying that she had surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
Kinsella became very famous after writing the 2000 novel “Confessions of a Shopaholic” (also known as “The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic”). It introduced Becky Bloomwood, a shopaholic financial journalist whose impulsive spending and funny excuses captivated millions. The book sold over 50 million copies around the world and led to 10 sequels. It also inspired a Disney movie in 2009 with Isla Fisher. She wrote about 30 books in all, using both of her pen names. Her books combined the charm of romantic comedies with the relatable heroines of “chick lit.”
The London native was born on December 12, 1969. Her husband, Henry Wickham, and their five children are still alive. Kinsella was still thankful for the support of her fans and the medical care she received, which affected her last novel, What Does It Feel Like? in 2024. Fans all over the world are sad about the death of the “queen of romantic comedy,” whose work made shopping a national pastime with humor and heart.
